Congratulations to Derby County, Nigel Clough and the coaching team for a great performance on Tuesday night. Surprisingly, Brentford made 10 changes to the team that tasted victory only days earlier and as a result only occasionally threatened on the break in the opening exchanges.
However, once Derby found their stride there was not stopping them and what ended up being 5 could have been 8 but for some posts and a goal line clearance. The second goal was another great passing moving with Martin again instrumental in his number 9 and a half role! The atmosphere was also very good.
This weekend it’s back to business as Derby welcome Burnley to Pride Park who over recent seasons have become a bit of a bogey team for the Rams. Derby played well against them last season only to be thwarted by two Charlie Austin goals to lose 2-1.
Danger man Ross Wallace is out injured for Burnley and Hendrick will be out for a number of weeks for Derby. Ex - Rams David Jones and Jason Shackell will line up for Burnley and I fully expect Coutts to fill in for Hendrick.
I felt Eustace was a little off the pace on Tuesday evening and a few passes seem to go astray. Derby will have to be aware of Vokes and Ings up front who have both started the campaign well but with 41% of Burnley's goals last season coming from Charlie Austin (who was sold during the off-season), hopefully Derby will have a less torrid time than in recent seasons and continue to be defensively solid.
I expect Russell and Ward to come back into the starting eleven again, giving Ward the freedom to go centrally as well as hugging the touchline. Derby should be able to build on the confidence of 8 goals in two matches and two clean sheets (despite weaker opposition) in a row to secure the first home league win of the season.
Again, I feel if Clough and the players are serious about challenging regularly and consistently in the top half of the table, then this is a game where we must stamp our authority, exhibit our extra class and skill and most importantly of all… win!!
Recent History — Last 14 Meetings:
Derby 3 — Drawn 5 — Burnley 6
Classic Clash Video:
Derby 3 vs. 0 Burnley - 6th September 1975