Derby travel to Cardiff City hoping to turn around what has been a dreadful start to the season.
Derby had most of the possession, play, corners and chances against a resolute and organised Blackburn side and when they took the lead though an excellent move and pass involving Vydra and Anya, Derby looked on course full all three points.
However, within minutes that lead was cut as midfield and defensive frailties were on show once again. Why Keogh feels the need to back off and back off is beyond me. It invites the player on and to shoot, just as it did the last time Derby lost at home in the league having took the lead against Forest when Osborne ran at him.
Nigel Pearson was pretty scathing after the game, questioning the commitment of some of the players and hinting he may bring in some of the younger players to do the job. As a general rule, such comments, we are told, should be left in the dressing room and 'behind closed doors', so what impact this will have will show over the next two games.
There's no hiding from the fact that this squad has been in and around the top six for the past three season but do fans honestly think they are good enough for promotion? The fact they have failed to actually gain promotion suggests they are not and there is something that means they can't and won't get over the line.
Pearson is being forced to make changes and this will upset players and take time. This means that results will vary and although it is very frustrating for fans who have generally see the team win, it is going to require patience.
There are pros and cons for sacking Pearson but the bottom line is, even a new manager is likely to want his own players and the club might have to take a step back for the first half of the season to then take a step forward again. However, despite a promotion with Leicester, Pearson's club record is very average. A number of fans wanted Pearson to take over and I wonder how many of them are now calling for him to be sacked.
Camara, Russell and Wilson could all come back in contention for the trip to Cardiff. Wilson may start up front instead of Bent and Russell or even Weimann could come in for Butterfield. However, with Russell and Camara having missed so many games, it is unlikely they will start or be risked.
Under manager and ex Ram Paul Trollope, Cardiff have had their struggles on the pitch too. They sit just above Derby in the league. They've had poor results away to Preston and home to Leeds but managed to come from behind to beat Rotherham 2-1 on Saturday.
Left Back Joe Bennett misses the game through a calf strain and the Bluebirds are also sweating on the fitness of Pilkington and Gunnarsson. Whittingham will provide quality from set pieces and the experienced Lambert will hope to be on end of them.
Match Prediction:
Derby have only won one of their last 9 trips to Cardiff but Cardiff have lost 3 of their last 4 home games, so there is hope for Derby.
Cardiff do concede goals, so Derby should look to exploit this. However, with confidence low and results not going their way, it could yet be an uphill struggle for The Rams.
Derby to draw 1-1 with Bryson to score.
Cardiff 2 v 1 Derby
Cardiff City Stadium - 2nd April 2016
Cardiff 0 v 2 Derby
Cardiff City Stadium — 31st January 2015
Nigel Pearson is looking for a response after his team capitulated on Saturday.
COYR!!