G.M's Match Preview: Rams Players To Prove Holloway Wrong At QPR
Wednesday, 14th Dec 2016 13:45 by George Martin

After the amazing 3-0 drubbing of Notts Forest, Derby travel to Loftus Road to face a QPR team who have lost their last three games. Derby will be hoping for a 7th straight victory to move back into the top 6.

Max Lowe and Anya are still out injured. Lowe has a groin strain and Anya a knee injury, therefore Derby are likely to remain unchanged as long as Bent had no negative reaction in his hamstring from Sunday's game.

Jonson will continue to play the CDM role, having had a superb game against the red dogs. Hughes will play through the pain barrier after playing on Sunday with a broken bone in his hand and the ever improving Baird will continue at right back. Olsson also had his best attacking game at left back and was very positive.

Ince was a danger throughout and his goal was exhilarating, and although Russell flattered to deceive he does work hard, knows the system and play it pretty well.

After a good victory against Norwich under new ex manager Holloway at the start of his second reign, they have lost three on the trot and could be there for the taking. They are just above the relegation zone and lost to lowly Rotherham one nil away on Saturday.

Smithies is a competent goalkeeper, Sandro can boss midfield and Chery is an attacking force. Polter is likely to start up front and can be a danger in the air. Derby will especially need to be aware of him from set pieces.

Match Prediction:

QPR will be desperate for a good performance in front of their home fans. Although it will be tough both physically and mentally after Sunday's heroics, Derby need to take the game to QPR from the outset.

The Rams record at Loftus Road is not great losing the last two encounters but Derby have been more likely to draw at QPR than win.

Holloway will have his men motivated. However, as a pundit, Holloway has been very critical in the past of the Rams players. Often with good reason. Therefore the players have motivation enough to prove Holloway wrong.

If Derby can make a good start then they could well win again. Scoring first would be crucial.

Derby to win a tough and gritty game 1-0 with Ince to score.