G.M's Match Preview: The Rams Must Roar & Take Something From Tigers
Friday, 27th Nov 2015 06:54 by George Martin

Derby face arguably their toughest test of the season so far when they visit the KC stadium to face the Tigers in front of the Sky cameras.

Derby fought out a well-earned victory in their last game at home to Cardiff City while Hull maintained their place at the top of the league with a slightly surprising away point at Bristol City.

Derby's goalkeeper and back four should stay the same as Shackell and Christie look to shake off minor knocks. Weimann is likely to continue in the wide left slot and although in effective against Cardiff, Ince should start on the right as he will be looking to put on a show against his former club.

The main selection conundrum for Derby will be who to partner Butterfield and Thorne in midfield as Bradley Johnson is suspended. Hendrick has been in good form, whereas Bryson offers something different. It would be interesting to see Bryson start as he gets close to Martin and offered a vast amount of energy.

Derby do not have a great record on Sky nor a good record against Hull City, so some of the omens do not look good. Even when Derby beat MK Dons, the performance was woeful until Hendrick came on.

Hull City have Roberts and Captain Dawson are out suspended with the latter actually out injured for four weeks with a hamstring strain. Robert Snodgrass should make the bench after a long term injury and the Tigers will look to recall top scorer Hernandez to the starting line up having been rested him for their last game, due to the amount of travelling on international duty. Meyler is also out with a knee injury.

To date Hull City have displayed minimal hangover after relegation from the Premier League. They have kept virtually their whole squad together and also their manager Steve Bruce which seems to be paying dividends.

Derby need to expose the lack of pace in midfield and at the back of the Hull City defence. The Rams need to capitalise of the loss of Roberts and the experienced Dawson but will have to beware of Livermore and Huddleston who are experienced in midfield while Akpom is always a threat going forward.

Prediction:

This is a very tough game for Derby. Hull City have won seven and drawn four of their last eleven games. However, Derby have only lost two league games all season.

I am going to play safe and go for 1-1 draw but would, like all Derby fans, love a 2-1 smash and grab win with Bryson to score.