After a dramatic late winner that earned the Rams their first win of the season against Preston in midweek, Derby welcome ex Premier League club Aston Villa and the Sky Sports cameras.
Derby are likely to remain unchanged with Hughes, Russell and Martin all starting. However, Camara may come onto the wing to give the team pace, as proved when making a great impact on Tuesday evening.
Bent should now have fully recovered from an ankle knock but Hendrick is still a couple of weeks a way at least. Former Villa man Weimann won’t get to face his former club as he recovers from a longer term injury.
Pearson still seems to be looking for the right balance and blend but there was a good reaction by the team on Tuesday night. The attitude, determination and passing was better. It had to be.
Villa seems to have recruited well through manager Di Matteo, having bought some good players in Chester and McCormack. They have also recently brought in Mile Jedinak from Palace who is a very good, strong and competent midfielder. If he starts Derby will need to be careful he does not dominate proceedings.
Julian Lescott’s move to Rangers in the SPL fell through late in the week so his future remains uncertain. He is unlikely to line-up against Derby after not having appeared for the club this season.
Villa has had a difficult start the season and were knocked out by Luton Town in the League cup. They had a good victory against Rotherham and looked on course for a further three points in mid week but a bizarre equaliser late on was a blow.
With a good crowd including a large away following, there's bound to be a great atmosphere in front of the Sky cameras and this should motivate Derby to play well.
The worrying thing has been the lack of goals and the inability to take their chances. Derby are struggling to score and need to get more reward for their hard work.
Match Prediction:
This will be a tight encounter with the potential to be a highly entertaining game.
It's likely to be a match that will be won or lost by a single mistake or one moment of brilliance. All Rams fans will be hoping it is a Derby player that produces the latter.
A score draw. 2-2 with Martin to score.
Derby County 0 v 6 Aston Villa (Ouch!!)
Pride Park — 12th April 2008
Derby 3 v 1 Barnsley
25th January 1997 - FA Cup 4th Round
Nigel Pearson wants the Rams to continue their winning form.
Scott Carson is looking for another clean sheet against Villa.
COYR!!