G.M's Match Preview: Rams Christmas Will Come Early In Valley Of Goals!
Saturday, 14th Dec 2013 07:43 by George Martin

Derby travel to The Valley with an unchanged squad and in high spirits after putting five past Blackpool last Saturday lunch time, in front of the Sky Sports cameras.

Last Saturday, after a slow first ten minutes, during which Derby again conceded from a set piece, the forward play and attacking was relentless. How Derby were not in the lead at half-time was beyond most fans. Although Derby were fortunate with the first penalty, there was no argument with the other four goals, following waves of attacks battered Blackpool who were pressurised into countless mistakes.

Derby will wear the 'Thunderbird' kit at Charlton and staff from Derby County will be giving out Christmas cards at the turnstiles. Again, a nice and well thought out gesture.

I actually remember getting one in similar circumstances under Lionel Pickering many years ago when travelling down to Southampton at Christmas time. It shows the club care.

Derby have no injury concerns so the only selection decision will be whether to start with Jamie Ward or Jonny Russell on the right wing. Ward has struggled slightly since his surprise return from injury and it was an excellent, positive move for McClaren to change things at half time against Blackpool, when bringing Russell.

Ward has scored five goals in the last seven games, but I think he is struggling slightly being on the right and is more comfortable and effective on the left. However, Dawkins has done so well there is no doube he will retain his place.

It is a good 'problem' to have. Whoever starts, it means the bench will again be strong with Sammon, Cisse, Hendrick and Keane all hoping to be involved. Keane looked very comfortable when he came on, but Buxton keeps stepping up to the plate, now there is genuine competition for places (take note Nigel!).

Charlton will be without captain Johnnie Jackson who serves a one match ban after he was sent off towards the end of the 2-2 draw at fellow strugglers Yeovil last week. Again, like last week, Derby will benefit from this as he is arguably their best player.

Expect Cameron Stewart to be tricky and lively on the left wing, cutting in on his right foot. The tussle between him and the excellent Wisdom will be a great battle. I have yet to see any player give Wisdom a hard time and this will be another test for the Liverpool loanee. Simon Church has experience up front, so Keogh, Buxton and Eustace will need to be aware of him finding space 'in the hole'.

Derby are attacking so well and scoring so many goals at the moment, it is difficult to see them not doing the same at The Valley. Charlton are in no sort of form and at this stage of the season the table does not lie.

We will have to be organised and defend well at times, but hopefully our attacking prowess will see us score at least one.

I keep thinking we will eventually mess up and something will go wrong, but that may be simply due to us having such an inconsistent last 5 years.

I have bought tickets for the next three away games, something I would never have contemplated under Clough.

Maybe that says it all!

Love London games, Love Derby.

Come on boys, give us all an early Christmas present to savour!

Current Form — Last 5 League Matches:

Charlton (21st): L, W, L, L, D

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

The Stats That Matter:

The Rams are proven quick starters this season with 20 of their goal tally coming in the first 45 minutes.

Steve McClaren has collected 22 of a possible 27 points since taking over at Derby. Go Macca!

The Rams have the highest goals ‘for’ in the Championship with 40, as well as the best conversion rate per shots on goal. Charlton are the equal lowest scoring team with 16.

The Rams will be looking to make it 6 in a row after already holding the longest winning run currently in the Championship. Burnley are the only team to have a longer run so far with 7. It’s in our sights!

Jamie Ward scored in both matches against Charlton last season.

Derby's last victory at The Valley was in September of 1998 when both teams resided in the Premier League. Paolo Wanchope and Francesco Baiano scored for the Rams and we have featured the video highlights of that match below for your viewing pleasure!