Can the Rams solidify their spot at the top of the table against a visiting struggler and give stand-in Captain Jason Shackell the most memorable of birthdays as Derby eye off top spot in the Championship.

Derby vs. Barnsley

Pride Park Stadium

7:45pm - Tuesday 27th September

The Rams:

Despite some solid performances between the sticks – Nigel Clough confirmed that Frank Fielding will return to keeping duties after serving his one match suspension at the expense of Adam Legzdins.

Nigel Clough had praise for his second choice keeper but made it clear who he considers his first choice:

"Adam's decisions on crosses were good and he came and punched a couple of balls and it was lovely for him to keep a clean sheet and everybody is delighted for him," said Clough. "But we have a number one in Frank and he will come back in.”

"It was Adam's first start at this level and there were a couple of nervy moments, but that is to be expected. But it was a very competent and assured first start and next time we need him, he will be there and even better."

Jason Shackell will be fit for the match despite coming off the field late in the win over Millwall. It is Shackell’s birthday and the Rams stand in Captain will be hoping that his team mates wrap up the match as part of the celebrations.

The Tykes:

Winger Matt Done is likely to miss the clash with a hamstring injury and youngster Jordan Clark should fill his spot.

Miles Addison came on as a substitute on the weekend for Barnsley but is ineligible for this clash as part of the loan agreement with Derby.

The main concern for manager Keith Hill is his lack of strike options with Danny Haynes and Craig Davies injured. He also has midfielders Reuben Noble-Lazarus and Goran Lovre along with defenders Rob Edwards and Luke Potter unavailable.

Hill was left buoyant after his teams 1-1 draw against Birmingham on Saturday:

"I was really encouraged I had a lot to take from the game, a lot of positives, no negatives, to be honest. Except for just getting a point - we deserved a lot more.”

"The confidence remains, the belief remains. We're so close, but so close in football can mean a million miles away. I'm encouraged with the work that's in progress.”

"I can't ask for much more from the players. We just need the icing on the cake; I think we will get that icing, definitely."

"We are down to the bare bones with respect to available professionals to ourselves for the games. It's difficult at times, and I'm not be disrespectful, to look at the bench and see a possibility to change so that we can go and increase our advantage.”

“At the weekend it was difficult to change it, get the momentum and take advantage of Birmingham and their vulnerabilities when they were pressing for the equaliser. We are creating opportunities, and as a result of creating those opportunities we will score from them."

Current Form: Last 5 Matches

Derby 3rd – Won 3 / Lost 2

Barnsley 17th – Won 1 / Drawn 4

Dan J’s Match Preview:

Looking at the table would suggest the Rams should be run away favourite for this match and there is no doubt they deserve that status.

But when you peer behind the stats, Barnsley has ground out four consecutive draws and a win from their last five matches which would suggest they will be hard to beat despite sitting a sad and sorry seventeenth.

The last time this season the Rams were flying - they were put to the sword by two teams who had started the season terribly and most thought would be easy pickings.

Barnsley has proven they will put up a fight and with Derby’s long history of falling when it should be rising - fans will be hoping that they can secure another 3 points in front of a vocal and positive home crowd – especially with some tough fixtures coming up.

At best the Rams will be top of the table tonight and at worst they will have been unable to capitalise on their situation when it presented itself.

Each and every player seems to be growing in stature with each game that passes and the improvement from Robinson, Bryson, B.Davies and Hendrick will be paramount in any continuing success this season.

For me I think the current confidence and a loud and proud Pride Park stadium will give the Rams the impetus to complete a home double and send us to Leicester on Saturday with nothing to fear from the foxes.

Score Prediction: Rams 2 vs. 1 Barnsley

For visitors to Pride Park

Parking

There is not a great deal of parking available close to Pride Park. The best bet is to either park in the city centre (lots of signposted car parks) or the Cattle Market Car Park.

Stay on the A52 to the Pentagon Island, take the first left and follow the road round to the left. It’s about a 10-minute walk to the Stadium.

There’s also a car park straight off the A52 at the Pride Park junction by the fireplace showroom however it’s a pain in the arse to get out of after the match. If you are looking for free parking head for Ascot Drive off the A6 and park down one of the side streets.

Where to drink

There are a few pubs and Eateries near the ground but not all admit away fans showing colours these days. The Navigation Inn on London rd has always been popular with away fans and there’s a Harvester and Frankie & Bennies on Pride Park.

The natives are friendly as long as you aren’t being an arse.

Near the station you have the Merry Widows and the Crown that are adequate however if you turn right out of the station you have the Brunswick & Alexandra pubs both of which serve real ale.

C'mon You Rams!!

Photo: Action Images

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