Derby travel to Blackburn today after an important win at home to Brighton. Important because it stopped the rot of three consecutive defeats. Important because it was a victory against a form team in the top half. Important because Derby was patient, gritty and ground out the result.

Some fans were disgruntled at the lack of passing, control and clear chances created. I was not. A very good, important win against a well drilled in form team, who are very difficult to score against. This victory should not be underestimated.

Hughes was a little off the pace, the wide players ineffective again and Martin struggled to hold the ball up top. But Derby stuck at it and was rewarded with positive substitutions and a great strike from Bamford. For me, Grant and Keogh were superb. A very important result.

Saturday's game will be yet another test of Derby's resolve and their top 6 credentials.

Form and niggling injuries permitting, I expect Derby to be unchanged. Derby has talked about resting Hughes. Possibly a good idea, but he retains the ball with such intelligence, I would allow him to keep his place. Blackburn likes to keep possession of the ball, so away from home, his clever, simple play will be an integral part of a good away performance.

For Derby, Jonny Russell is expected to return on the bench after a week's training with a facial mask to protect his repairing fractured cheekbone. His pace and tenacity from the bench could be useful late on in the game. Dawkins and Ward again need to be more involved and Martin needs to find space and hold the ball up better.

For Rovers — ex England goalkeeper Paul Robinson should be available after he missed the defeat at the Shi**y Ground with a hamstring strain. Major goal threat Jordan Rhodes and Captain Scott Dann are both fit and should start. Rhodes has been restricted to coming on from the bench in recent games but has a full week's training behind him.

Buxton and Keogh will have their work cut out to stop Rhodes. He has scored 16 goals in 26 games and is constantly linked to Premier League clubs. From what I have seen, you can see why. He can score from long range, close in and with his head. A natural goal scorer.

Derby does not have a good record against Blackburn and often seem to struggle at Ewood Park. They have only lost once in their last eight home games and ground out an impressive draw to earn a replay against Man City in the F.A. Cup.

In what I expect to be a tough game, I would take a draw, keeping the chasing pack of play contenders at bay and consolidating our play off position.

Is it me or does it still seem a bit weird saying that!?!

Current Form — Last 5 League Matches:

Blackburn (8th): D, L, W, W, L

Derby (4th): D, W, L, L, W

The Stats That Matter:

The Rams are proven quick starters this season with 24 of their goal tally coming in the first 45 minutes of matches.

Steve McClaren has collected 35 of a possible 45 points since taking over at Derby.

The Rams have the highest goals ‘for’ in the Championship with 50, as well as the best conversion rate per shots on goal.

Blackburn have let in 9 goals in their last two matches and no clean sheets in 6, Forest putting 4 last them and Man City scoring 5 in the Cup.

Blackburn has lost only one of their last eight home games while Derby have the best away record in the Championship with 8 wins, 2 draws from 13 matches.

Classic Clash — Video Highlights:

Blackburn 1 vs. 2 Derby

9th September 1996

Head Coach & Player Match Previews

Photo: Action Images

Derby County Polls