G.M's Match Preview: Rams Must Meet Baggies Somewhere In The Middle
Saturday, 7th Jan 2017 05:37 by George Martin

After Derby's unbeaten streak came to a dramatic end losing 3-0 away to Norwich, Derby travel to The Hawthorns to face well established Premier League side West Bromwich Albion in round 3 of the F.A. Cup.

The signs of the Norwich defeat were on the cards following a below average display at home to Wigan previously. The already daunting task at West Brom has been made even more difficult due to injury and suspension.

Derby now have 4 left backs out injured in the shape of Forsyth, Lowe, Olsson and Anya, who was filling in from left midfield. Hanson may fill in or Baird may move over to the left with Hanson on the right.

Being left footed, Jason Shackell could be an option at left back, as could a back three of Keogh, Pearce and Shackell, but McClaren has hinted that he does not want to tinker with the side too much.

Derby are also short in midfield with Hughes and Butterfield both suspended. Bryson will certainly start and with new signing Julien De Sart brought in on loan for the rest of the season from Boro, the lack of available players may allow him to start while Bradley Johnson might be pushed further forward with De Sart taking over the defensive midfield duties. Again, another difficult dilemma.

The other option is to bring in Vydra to play behind Darren Bent but this may lead to the Rams being over run and outnumbered in midfield. Ince will start on the right wing and it's anyone's guess on the left - possibly Weimann.

The Baggies are likely to make one or two changes as they rotate and utilise their squad. Myhill is due to start in goal instead of Foster and having not been selected for the African Cup, Allan Nyom could replace Evans at centre back.

Fletcher is likely to control midfield and in Chadli, Morrison and McClean there are plenty of attacking options going forward. The visitors can also call on the pace and skill of Philips and Welsh Euro 16 hero Robson - Kanu. Rondon is also a solid and powerful forward who will test the Derby defence to its limits.

West Brom are a good solid side and in Tony Pulls, they have a good solid manager.

Match Prediction:

Away from Pride Park, this will be a very tough test for Derby, especially as The Baggies can score a lot of goals, especially when on home soil.

Even without injuries and suspensions, this was always going to be an uphill battle for The Rams. However, backed by over 5 thousand travelling Rams fans behind the goal, the squad should relish and embrace the opportunity.

If The Baggies play a little below par and a number of Derby players have very good games, then the two sides could meet somewhere in the middle.

Without Hughes and Butterfield and with Bent not being a natural when holding the ball up, ball retention could prove difficult.

It would really make a game of it if The Rams could take the lead. However, Derby have not beaten higher opposition in this competition since 1986 when they defeated Sheffield United and despite the Baggies having lost their recent matches, they can nearly be excused as they were to Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United.

Derby to lose 3-1 and Bent to score.