DanJ's MatchDay Preview - Derby vs. Hull
Saturday, 19th Nov 2011 09:38 by Daniel J Sewart

After a much needed break the Rams may welcome reinforcements into their line-up. Barker, Brayford, Green & Riggott may be in contention for a place in the squad as Derby welcome Hull City to Pride Park Stadium.

Derby County vs. Hull City

Pride Park Stadium - Derbyshire

3:00pm – Saturday November 19th

Current Form – Last 5 League Matches:

Derby: 8th – D, L, W, L, L

Hull: 9th – D, W, W, L, L

The Rams

Despite being happy to have some big names returning to action during the mid-week reserves fixture - Nigel Clough has the big decision of who to include now and who to save for later.

John Brayford is probably the most likely to be back in the team after being out for over four weeks with a muscle tear.

Nigel Clough will wait till the latest possible moment to make his decision:

"With a thigh injury the biggest thing is kicking the ball again but we hope that won’t be a major issue for him. We will be guided by John to a degree as to how he feels, but we have to be careful with him. If he is okay then he will go straight back in.''

The return of Shaun Barker could also be a possibility after Mark O’Brien left the field injured before the international break. Paul Green also must be a good chance to at least find a seat on the bench after completing a full hour for the second string.

The return of Nathan Tyson has been shifted once again with at least another four weeks on the sidelines being predicted.

Hull

Two consecutive losses and the loss of their management team find the Tigers, much like the Rams (except for the manager bit), heading South on the table.

Nick Barmby takes the caretaker role for the trip to Pride Park and could have Cameron Stewart back after some reserves appearances. Captain Andy Dawson is also in the frame - the left-back has been out since early September after a training ground incident.

Striker and former Rams target Martyn Waghorn will thankfully be out and unable to show Derby first hand what they missed out on.

Richard Garcia and midfielder Seyi Olofinjana could also be options for Barmby after they both recently returned to training.

In the build up to their trip to Derby – Hull player Liam Rosenior spoke to clubs official site about the sudden departure of their manager and the players support for interim manager Nick Barmby:

"The players here want to do well for the club and do well for Nick, that won't change. I think he was made to be a manager and we can make his job easier by performing for him on the pitch. I want to run that extra mile for him and the rest of the lads want to do that as well."

"I think we have a great chance now of pushing on and doing even better. We know that the foundations are in place to do that."

"We're all raring to go. Derby is above us, but if we can go there and get a result it would put us in a great position to push on towards the Christmas period."

DanJ’s Match Preview:

Sitting 8th and 9th respectively, Derby and Hull have a lot to play for with a return to the top six likely for the victor.

Hull have lost their last two and their manager whilst the Rams have lost their last two and rewarded their manager with a new deal.

It could be a case of which team is carrying the most nerves as both may not want to be too attacking through fear of conceding. The Rams have played some great football at PPS when they have gone forward with intent this season so perhaps that mindset would serve them best.

The game may come down to who can rattle their opposition early and get to them between their ears as much as on the scoresheet. The Rams have some returning stars to pitch in, even if from the bench, but a few familiar faces could be just the boost the team needs.

As long as the returning reinforcements are fit and ready to play they could add the experience and class that Derby has been missing at times. Some older heads instead of academy poteential is sorely needed to reverse the recent trend of bad mistakes resulting in soft goals.

Dan J’s Score Prediction:

This one may come down to who has the better day at the office.

Perhaps the loss of their manager will affect Hull or - as is often the case - lift their performances for a couple of weeks. It is something Derby will need to be ready for as they may come out with a point to prove, especially if they want Barmby to remain in the hot seat.

As long as Derby can shore up their shaky defence – the Rams will do enough to get over the line and hopefully begin to get their season back on track.

I think the Rams are due a good day and what better place to do it than in front of the home faithful.

Tigers to be tamed.

Derby 3 – 1 Hull

For visitors to Pride Park:

Parking

There is not a great deal of parking available close to Pride Park. The best bet is to either park in the city centre (lots of sign posted car parks) or the Cattle Market Car Park.

Stay on the A52 to the Pentagon Island, take the first left and follow the road round to the left. It’s about a 10-minute walk to the Stadium.

There’s also a car park straight off the A52 at the Pride Park junction by the fireplace showroom however it’s a pain in the arse to get out of after the match. If you are looking for free parking head for Ascot Drive off the A6 and park down one of the side streets.

Where to drink

There are a few pubs and Eateries near the ground but not all admit away fans showing colours these days. The Navigation Inn on London rd has always been popular with away fans and there’s a Harvester and Frankie & Bennies on Pride Park.

The natives are friendly as long as you aren’t being an arse.