Derby entertains Chelsea in for the second time in less than a year and will again play in front of the sky cameras for the second time in four days.
Against Middlesbrough on Saturday Derby were out worked, out thought and generally out played. Boro let The Rams have the ball at the back and focused on stopping the supply to Mascarell, Bryson and Martin. Russell was virtually anonymous in the first ten minutes and as soon as Bamford scored his inevitable goal, the pattern for the first half was set.
Fair play to McClaren and the coaching staff who changed this at half time by going 4-4-2, but Leon Best is simply not good enough if Derby want to finish in the top two. Dare I say that even Sammon would ensure the opposition defenders would know they had been in more of a game (or half!) when compared to Best.
I often wonder why Russell is not deployed up front with Martin when the normal formation is not working and we decide to go 4-4-2. He has pace, finishing ability and it’s his more natural position.
The change in personnel and formation did not work and Derby tried their best to get something going. As Hughes was brought on Derby were guilty of poor play again which resulted in a penalty, sending off and second goal. Game over.
I heard a very good quote from Sean Dyche today when he spoke about teams winning games in different ways. That is what Derby have not learnt to do yet, having lost and won four of their last eight games.
When plan A does not work (Wigan, Leeds and Middlesbrough), plan B is attempted, but it does not really work. At least McClaren sees this and should take credit for trying something different and making changes early. Something his predecessor never, ever did.
Buxton will come into the centre of defence for the suspended Shotton, Hughes should come into midfield for Hendrick and Ibe could start ahead of Dawkins due to his extra pace. Despite a non de script performance by Mascarell in Derby's last outing, he may keep his place in the side due to his ability to retain the ball.
Derby welcomes a very good Chelsea side who are better and stronger than last year when they triumphed at the iPro stadium 2-0 in the FA Cup.
Cech will start in goal and Zouma will start in the centre of defence ahead of the rested Cahill. Mikel, Schurrle, Oscar and Salah should take up the midfield positions and Fabregas may also be back after missing the 2-0 win against Hull City on Saturday. Chelsea will also decide whether to start with Drogba or Remy up front. What unbelievable problems to have! :-)
Reports suggest Chelsea were not quite at the races on Saturday against Hull, but they still ground out a result. Take note Derby. This game is obviously going to be very, very tough for The Rams. They have quality, experience and strength in abundance, but a packed house under floodlights should witness an entertaining game.
Derby have a chance if they score first, but even then it will be very slim chance.
Ultimately, after Saturday, the defending, desire to win the ball and all round quality and performance needs to be much better. Newcastle proved recently that Chelsea are beatable so that will give players and some fans belief.
However, it will take an unbelievable performance and be a massive upset if Derby were to inflict only Chelsea's second defeat of the season.
It will hopefully be a great occasion, but I can only see one winner, Chelsea.
Chelsea — 1st in Premier League (W, D, W, L, W):
Chelsea defeated the Rams in the 3rd Round of the FA Cup last season 0-2.
Chelsea have won 7 and drawn 1 of the last 8 clashes and have not been defeated by the Rams since 1999 (see video below).
The last time these two teams met in the League cup was October 1972
Derby — 3rd in Championship (W, W, L, W, L):
Derby has only reached the semi-finals of the League Cup in 1968 and 2009.
The Rams are equal top scorers in this seasons cup competition — having scored 10 goals. Chris Martin has been on fire in the competition having scored 6 in his last 5 League Cup games.
Derby 0 — 2 Chelsea (FA Cup)
6th January 2014 - iPro Stadium
Derby 3 v 1 Chelsea
Pride Park - 30th October 1999
Steve McClaren previews the Cup clash against Chelsea.
Richard Keogh want to bounce back against Blues.
COYR!!