This afternoon Derby will be looking for back to back wins for the first time in a long time against bottom of the league Bolton.
A superb team performance by The Rams against fellow promotion hopefuls Hull on Tuesday night gives them a great chance of securing a play off spot.
Although there were defensive and goalkeeping mistakes by Hull, Derby were clinical and the second goal was the result of a fantastic passing move involving a number of players. Hull simply could not cope and Derby could have easily scored more.
Jeff Hendrick is still out for the next few weeks with a thigh strain and Bradley Johnson is in doubt having taken a knock to the knee. After his goal scoring exploits the other night, he and Derby will be hoping he is fit.
If Johnson doesn’t make it, Butterfield is likely to take his place in the centre of midfield. There could also be space for Will Hughes on the bench who has been out since the opening day of the season, ironically against Bolton.
Ince and Russell are likely to hold down the wide spots and left back Olsson is fit after having recovered from a sore Achilles on Tuesday evening. Christie should continue at right back while Keogh and Shackell will be hoping to be part of another home clean sheet.
While the Rams push to secure their top 6 spot, Bolton are all but doomed to League One. They have not won an away game in a year and if they lose on Saturday, then it will all but confirm their expected relegation.
The Trotters have recently acquired new owners who have paid off various debts and tax bills but it seems alike it will be long way back for this famous club. Former manager Neil Lennon could not rescue their place in the Championship, but having to work with little to no resources would not have helped matters, and was eventually sacked few weeks ago.
Zach Clough is a lively player and good prospect in midfield but Bolton’s main struggle is scoring goals. Pratley in an experienced midfield player and they also welcome back Holding from suspension and forward Dobbie from injury. Wheater and Trotter will also be looking for starts.
Prediction:
After the high of Tuesday night against Hull this gives Derby the perfect opportunity to record consecutive wins. The Rams will not have any better opportunity against a team in turmoil both on and off the pitch, having already given up as they know they are certain to be relegated.
Derby needs to have the same work rate, hunger and quality in the final third to open up Bolton. Bryson's work rate against Hull was phenomenal and this was shown in abundance when he chased down a channel ball from Keogh to force a mistake, which eventually led to the first goal.
Everything points to a Derby victory, so surely even The Rams can't mess this one up.
Derby to win 3-0 with Martin to get at least one of the goals.
Bolton 0 v 0 Derby
8th August 2015 - Macron Stadium
Derby 4 v 0 Bolton
Pride Park - 13th April 1998
Darren Wassall wants his team to replicate their performance on Tuesday.
Craig Bryson wants to use the confidence from their win over Hull.
COYR!!