G.M's Match Preview: Rams Must Find Fluidity To Get Past Preston
Tuesday, 16th Aug 2016 06:00 by George Martin

After Saturday's inept performance, Niger Pearson will have some serious selection decisions to make as Derby make a Tuesday night trip to Preston North End.

The lack of quality in the final third was slightly worrying against Barnsley, not to mention what seemed like a lack of fight and desire from far too many Rams players.

It took the introduction of Johnny Russell to spark Derby into life and finally look like they might be capable of scoring. Before that point they could have easily been four nil down and deserved to lose.

Hendrick is out with a hamstring strain and Darren Bent is under a cloud with a late call to be made on an ankle injury.

Mo Camara may make his way back into the squad as he returns to full fitness but the main call for Pearson will be to decide who he plays in central midfield in Hendrick's absence. It could be Hughes, Butterfield or perhaps he might give Johnson a start in his preferred position.

Pearson will also need to make a call on his preferred formation and whether it is honestly the best one. If it is to be his chosen tactic going forward it needs time, but it currently lacks fluidity, cohesion and balance with the likes of Tom Ince arguably more effective out wide, occasionally drifting into a central position.

Preston may find themselves without Joe Garner as the player may be on his way to join Rangers, while Striker Simon Makienok (thigh) and midfielder Ben Pearson (illness) are both doubts.

Preston have yet to win this season losing both their opening league games. They went down to Reading 1-0 and then to Fulham 2-1 at home on Saturday but did progress in the League Cup by beating Hartlepool 1-0.

Match Prediction:

Emotions amongst Rams fans ran very high during and after the match at Barnsley. The players will be looking to put this right and get supporters back onside.

Preston have lost both their games so hopefully Derby will capitalise. However, Derby regularly seem to come up with a draw or loss at Preston over the past 10 years.

A 1-1 draw with Butterfield to bag.