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G.M's Match Preview: A Win At Wigan Will Put Rams In Top 6!
Sunday, 1st Dec 2013 04:47 by George Martin

Derby will travel to Wigan with confidence on the back of a well fought away win at Bournemouth. A lage number of travelling Rams should ensure a good atmosphere in the away end, as Derby will try to continue their good away form, this time in the all conquering maroon kit.

The Rams players will hopefully be lifted by last weekends success while some of the Wigan players may be tired from their defeat in the Europa League on Thursday. In saying that, they are actually yet to lose a game after playing in the Europa league having won three and drawn one.

I, like most, are unsure whether Derbys new signing Keane, will make his debut at the heart of the defence. It would be harsh on Buxton and with the powerful Holt starring up front; I would be tempted to stick with the same back four that has kept clean sheets in the past two games. Keane's time will come and I would only start him if he is exceptional.

I expect Russell to come in as a straight swap for the in form but unfortunate Ward, who has been unable to shake his injury. Bennett may be called on after 60-70 minutes depending how Russell fairs, considering he has been out for a number of weeks and we have three games this week, with Ward out for a minimum of two.

Although Wigan sits in mid-table, they still possess some very good players and a lot of Premier League experience. Holt is very good up front; McClean is tricky on the wing and McCann solid in midfield. Not to mention young Manchester United prospect Powell who plays up front.

I fully expect Keogh and Buxton will need to be at their best and the Wisdom and Forsyth will be kept busy. A win for Wigan would put them on the same points as Derby with a game in hand. Logic would tell you they ' should' be there or there about come the end of the season. However, football is not played on paper!

I see this as another opportunity for Derby to 'take the game to the opposition'. Under previous management this would NOT have happened and I am hoping for and expecting a good, all round passing performance. A big pitch, two thousand plus Rams fans in attendance and with the attacking qualities of Hughes, Bryson, Martin, Russell and Martin, I expect Derby to create chances.

A win would see Derby overtake last season's dismal away tally of 18 points and unbelievably take us into 5th place. Even funnier is that it would be at the expense of the red dogs. A draw would also be a fair result with two home games coming up.

It will probably be a close game with the team that makes the fewest mistakes and right decisions in the final third, likely to prevail.

Good luck to Steve, the coaching staff and the players. I/we will be cheering you on all the way!




Photo: Action Images



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