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G.M's Match Preview: Resurgent Rams Will Take It Up To Toon
Saturday, 4th Feb 2017 07:46 by George Martin

After a superb first half display to go three nil up by half time away to Ipswich, Derby face a potentially mouth watering trip away to promotion favourites and big spending Newcastle.

The final score line against Ipswich was 3-0, but Derby could have added many more had it now been for the woodwork, which Derby hit four times.

The Rams are likely to remain unchanged with Camara keeping his place on the left wing after a good showing against Ipswich. He will need to ensure he tracks back early, get behind the ball and doubles up with Olsson on Newcastle's Rithcie. Something he did not do away to Leeds.

Russell has recovered from injury so may be recalled to the bench, but the dynamic and influential Will Hughes will miss with a hamstring strain. The game may also be too soon for Nugent, so he will not be risked and potentially saved for Wednesday's FA Cup reply away to Leicester on Wednesday.

The continuous soap opera at Newcastle United continues as manager Rafa Benitez has had to reassure fans and the media he will stay in the job to ensure The Magpies get promotion. This seems to be after a few inconsistent performances which included a 2-2 draw at home to QPR on Wednesday.

It did seem at one stage they would walk away with the league title, but The Championship is more competitive than ever as a number of teams have spent big money and there have been three surprise packages in Leeds, Reading and Huddersfield.

For the Toon, top goal scorer and centre forward Gayle is out injured with a hamstring strain. Diame or Mitrovic may start instead of Murphy upfront. Whoever misses out will be looking to make an impact from the bench if and when needed in the second half.

Gouffran, Hayden, Ritchie and Shelvey are hard working, technically good and skilful midfield. However, Colback could return from illness and come into the centre. This is possibly where the game will be won and lost. Johnson will have to protect the back four, while Bryson will need to pressurise with Butterfield retaining and using the ball well when Derby are in possession.

Match Prediction:

There are plenty of match winners in both teams and Derby will have to defend very, very well. They are likely to have to deal with pressure, a boisterous crowd and periods without the ball.

The Rams are going into the game on the back of three good performances and Newcastle are stuttering slightly. It will be a tough game for Derby, but they have to again embrace the challenge and believe they can win. Take the game to Newcastle, use the ball well and defend like their life depends on it.

An entertaining 2-2 draw with Butterfield to strike from long range.


Last Time They Met:

Derby 0 v 2 Newcastle

Pride Park — 10th September 2016


Classic Clash:

Newcastle 1 v 2 Derby

St James Park - 8th October 1977


Manager / Player Match Previews:

COYR!!



Photo: Action Images



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