G.M's Match Preview: A Tough Test But Rams Will Continue Winning Ways At Wednesday
Sunday, 6th Dec 2015 06:48 by George Martin

Derby will look to put back to back away performances together when they travel to Hillsborough to once again play in front of the Sky Sports cameras.

In their last away, they looked they would score every time they went forward despite Hull City domination other data and statistics.

Bradley Johnson is likely to return to the centre of midfield in place of Hendrick. Ince did just about enough in the second half against Hull City to warrant a starting place. He will have to make sure he gets back to defend and help Christie who is streaming forward regularly.

Ince’s cause was also helped by Russell coming on and giving the ball away four times out of the five he touched it. Weimann will look to hold down the other wide birth.

The in form Butterfield and Thorne will look to assist Johnson as they try to dominate in midfield. Martin will be hoping to end his dry spell as he is on his worst run of goals scoring, but is having a hand in assisting goals, so can take from heart from that. However, strikers live and die on scoring goals and Chris is no different so he will want to hit the net sooner than later.

Derby's bench also looks strong as Clement attempts to keep the squad happy. It should consist of Grant, Baird, Hendrick, Bent, Bryson, Russell and Shotton or Pearce. The back five should stay the same as they look to try and keep another clean sheet against an attacking opposition.

Sheffield Wednesday have been a slight surprise package this season. Westwood has good form in goal and the back four have usually been solid, although they are prone to concede a goal or two, especially in recent matches.

Their cause will not be helped as centre backs Lees and Turner could be out injured. Lees came off injured in the first half against Stoke in the mid week Cup fixture and is a major doubt. Ex-Ram loanee Bannan is also a major doubt.

Despite being the top goal scorer, Joao may have to settle for a place on the bench as he has been used as an impact sub in recent games. This means Nuhiu should start as the loan striker.

Forestieri, a major signing for £3.5m from Watford, has been in fine form. He literally does not stop running and his late breaks into the box will need to be tracked closely.

Hutchinson is the battler in midfield and will look to stop, kick and break up Derby's neat passing approach play. Wallace, McGugan and the recently signed Hooper will look to get some game time if things are not going right. Joao will definitely come on if he does not start.

Prediction:

This is yet another tough test for Derby, but with key injuries likely to affect the Wednesday back line, they need to take the game to The Owls early on, as they did to Hull last week.

There will be spells where Derby will have to defend very, very well. They will have to clever and astute with the ball. If Derby can do this they have every chance of taking all three points.

Derby to win 2-1 and Martin, who else, to score!

COYR!