G.M's Match Preview: Rams Must Ride Winning Wave To London
Saturday, 17th Dec 2016 06:48 by George Martin

After the Rams ground out their 7th consecutive win away to QPR on Wednesday, Derby faces an even tougher task again in London, when they travel to Fulham.

Derby are still likely to be without Anya and Lowe, Russell is struggling with a hip injury and could be omitted from the 18, whilst Christie, Thorne and Forsyth are still on the long term treatment table.

After a cameo performance the other night, Camara is pushing Weimann all the way for a start on the right wing. However McClaren will possibly stick to the same starting eleven and use Camara as an impact sub late on. Otherwise The Rams remain unchanged as Hughes will continue to play through the pain barrier with a damaged left hand.

On loan striker Chris Martin is not eligible to play for Fulham who will need to reshuffle slightly. Lucks Piazon seems the most likely to replace Martin.

Fulham are having a good season and are a free flowing, good football team who create chances and score goals. Derby's tight and stern defence will be tested to its absolute limit.

Look out for Johansen causing problems going forward as he is a good attacking threat. Fulham are in good form at home having won 3 and drawn 2 of their last five games.

Match Prediction:

This will be a very tough test for the Rams. It was against Fulham away under McClaren's last spell when the wheels started to come off his teams promotion push after sitting at the top of the league.

Derby have not had much success at Craven Cottage in the league with wins a rare commodity. The Derby defence will be tested to the limit; however the Rams are bang in form and need to create chances.

Recently McClaren has spoken about being on a wave and trying to stay on it but many Rams fans would be pleased with a point from this fixture.

The home side could nick a tight game, but staying with the glass half-full, let's get a 1-1 draw with Bent to score.