The Rams will be hoping to extend their winning run to 5 consecutive matches when they welcome fellow top 6 incumbents Sheffield Wednesday to the iPro this afternoon.
Following three wins against teams fighting for their Championship lives and another over their likely Semi Final opponent whose form is up and down, it is likely Wednesday will provide sterner opposition for Derby in front of the Sky cameras for the early lunchtime kick off.
Derby has been building momentum and even though the quality of their recent opposition has not been the best, they have regained much of the tempo and goal scoring ability that they seemingly had lost.
Today’s match will give them a chance to display exactly how far they have come against a team on a very similar rung to them. Wednesdays form has not been as good as their hosts but they too will want to ensure play-off football and carry some form into the semi finals.
Even though their results on the road in the last two games was much improved, the comforts of home will also be welcomed with the Rams, having won their last 5 matches at the iPro and not conceded a goal in open play there since mid January
Darren Wassall is likely to field a similar if not unchanged team as the one that came from behind to defeat Brighton. He may be tempted to start Hughes in place of Butterfield as he looks to get much needed game time into his returning superstar.
Hanson also may play a part as he returns to the squad following an Achilles injury but again I can’t see it happening unless he wants to rest Thorne or to simply give Jamie some game time so he is fit and ready to deputise if required.
Johnson and Hendrick are still out through injury and no doubt will be managed over the remaining League games to try and have them fit and fresh before they get to the business end.
With the team in good form it is hard to see any major overhaul but keeping players fit and ensuring any players carrying niggles get some recovery time before the play-offs will be integral.
Wednesday will be hoping to break their recent duck in matches against the Rams with 8 losses and 5 draws to show from their last 13 attempts.
Their form for most of the season has been patchy but like the Rams have put together enough runs to find their way into the play-offs. The resilience they show when going behind in a match has been particularly impressive, having earned 17 points in matches in which they trailed — the most for any other team in the division.
Wednesday will be without Ross Wallace who will miss the match through suspension while Jeremy Helan has returned from his loan spell and is likely to feature.
Midfielder Sam Hutchinson returned to training last week following glandular fever and if he proves his fitness I would expect him to take his place in the team.
Prediction:
This match will be a close run thing as Wednesday will do their best to stop Derby playing football. The Rams will need to show that against a better opponent that they can emulate their recent performances and dominate possession, while keeping the tempo at a level that makes it hard for Wednesday to slow down the play and clog up their game.
Securing fourth place must become Derby's main focus as having the second leg at home has become a proven advantage, it is within touching distance so they must not take their foot off the gas. Stealing fourth from the Tigers would only add insult to injury and increase their mental edge over Hull.
It could be the case that the step up in opponent will see the Rams brought back to the pack but with increased confidence and genuine excitement visible in the group — I have a feeling they will sneak another victory in front of vocal 33,000 strong crowd packed into a sold out iPro stadium.
In front of the Sky cameras I think Derby will make it 5 on the trot and continue their march towards the Semis.
A 2-1 victory with goals from the red hot Russell & Ince.
Enjoy the match and COYR!!
Sheffield Wednesday 0 v Derby County
Hillsborough - 6th December 2016
Derby 3 v 0 Wednesday
Pride Park — 28th February 1998
Darren Wassal doesn’t want his team to take their foot off the pedal.
George Thorne thinks the Rams have grown up in the last 2 years.
COYR!!