Darren Wassall and Derby County have a selection conundrum ahead of the visit of Ipswich for the final home league game of the season.
Jeff Hendrick and Bradley Johnson could return to the squad after recent thigh and knee injuries respectively. Wassall has hinted he will not rest players ahead of the play off semi final as he needs to keep them match fit and sharp. Therefore, it is likely Derby will remain unchanged.
Expect the substitutes to be utilised early on with Ince, Hughes and Bryson possibly giving way to Weimann, Johnson and Hendrick.
Although Derby could have been behind to Brighton early on in their last outing, they gradually grew into the game and deservedly took the lead after amazing chest control and pass by the superb Hughes.
Weimann did well to hit the target and even better when stretching to reach the rebound. Unfortunately the equaliser was a soft goal to concede in the final few seconds.
During the televised match, the pro-Brighton comments and punditry on Sky was at times embarrassing. It took 84 minutes for anyone to even acknowledge how brilliant Hughes was playing all over the park, attacking and in defence.
Danny Higgingbotham said; "Will Hughes has been sensational!" Sorry, but most people with any football intelligence could see that after 65 minutes, not 85. When Brighton equalised it was like they'd got promoted. Embarrassing.
Ipswich have had a steady season but have struggled to put enough wins together to seriously attack the play off places. They seem to struggle to score goals and despite their best efforts, have fallen well short of challenging.
They are likely to be there or there about next season and are a regular top 10 side. It seems that more investment is needed if they are to take that next step.
Although being released, Varney is vying for a starting spot as he scored a late winner in their last match against MK Dons when they won 3-2. He may partner McGoldrick with Pitman and Sears providing further attacking options.
The Tractor Boys may also use the opportunity to have nothing to play for by fielding some talented youngsters in the first team squad. It is an ideal time to test them out and give them valuable experience with half an eye on next season.
Prediction:
Hopefully Ipswich will be mentally on the beach somewhere posh and expensive. Derby need to capitalise on this and ensure they are fully focused and sharp with their playoff game in the not too distant future.
Ipswich have a good recent record at Derby not losing in their last 7 visits. Therefore, recent history does not go in Derby's favour.
However, Derby's attacking play and recent form should be enough to see them win their last game of the 'normal' domestic season before the play offs.
Derby to win 2-1 and Martin to score
Enjoy the game and bring on the play offs!
Ipswich 0 v 1 Derby
Portman Road - 19th December 2016
Derby 2 v 0 Ipswich
The Baseball Ground - 23rd November 1974
Darren Wassall wants to keep the momentum up heading into the play-offs:
Scott Carson hopes the action is at the other end of the pitch against Ipswich.
COYR!!