The Rams stopped the rot of two straight defeats with one of the most stirring wins in the clubs history. Can they now consolidate and continue that form by beating a less fancied opposition at home?
With Frank Fielding serving a one week ban – Rams Goalkeeper Adam Legzdins will make get his first start against the Lions.
Nathan Tyson will probably take a seat on the bench again as he works towards full fitness with Nigel Clough mindful of not rushing him back too early:
"He is well short fitness-wise, so we have got to be careful with him," said manager Nigel Clough. "We won't get carried away; all he has had is 20 minutes. But a good week's training this week and he will be there or thereabouts on Saturday."
Theo Robinson is likely to hold his starting position after a tireless performance at Forest – even after nearly being left out after being late to training Friday. He will be hoping to haunt his former club after leaving Millwall late last season.
Kevin Kilbane could be fit to play but at best will probably be on the bench especially after Gareth Roberts put in a good shift last weekend.
The Lions
After being dismantled by Wolves in a 5-0 Carling Cup defeat during the week - Millwall will be pleased to add Jay Simpson and Liam Feeney to their squad on loan for the match.
Manager Kenny Jackett was trying to convince everyone including himself the Lions will respond to the thrashing:
"By the time we take the field at Derby on Saturday I expect us to be prepared and ready to get back to the required standard against a good side.”
"We will have a number of players ready to return which will give us a boost.”
"This is a big week for us, we need our best players out there playing to their maximum and clearly we must start scoring goals again. We are creating chances but our finishing has to be better."
Midfielder Tamika Mkandawire may return after missing the cup match with a knee injury. Keeper David Forde, defender Paul Robinson and midfielder Liam Trotter are set to start after dropping to the bench during the week.
Darius Henderson will miss through injury and striker Josh McQuoid has been struck down by a virus and is unlikely to come up for the match.
Millwall has other long term issues with Therry Racon and Shaun Batt making progress in their respective recoveries but will not be involved Saturday.
Current Form: League Position - Last 5 Matches
Millwall
16th – Won 1 / Drawn 2 / Lost 2
Derby
5th – Won 3 / Lost 2
Stuart’s Prediction
RamZone reporter Stuart Hughes gives his prediction for the match:
On Saturday Derby County entertain Millwall at Pride Park Stadium and I hope it’s not going to a case of after the Lord Mayor’s Show.
After giving our arch-rivals Nottingham Forest a one goal head start, plus a man advantage, and still winning away from home, the Rams will be full of confidence for the visit of the Lions.
Derby County are 4th in the npower Championship with 15 points from seven games. Millwall sit 16th with seven points from seven games. Away from home the Lions have won none, drawn one, and lost two.
The game represents a great chance for the Rams to consolidate their position in the Championship playoff positions.
It’s not going to be easy, no game in this division is easy but if Derby County can produce the character and spirit they’ve demonstrated for most of this season which was on display for all to see at the City Ground, then I’m confident the Rams can win again.
Millwall’s danger man:
Well I’m not going to say ex-Ram Jordan Stewart that’s for sure.
For me it has to be striker Jay Simpson. He’s currently on loan from Hull City and has Premiership experience from his time at W.B.A. Simpson scored six goals for the Tigers last season.
Previous encounters:
I’m afraid I can’t recall too many standout games against Millwall and, with apologies to the majority of Lions fans, the memories I have of past encounters are not good.
I remember Millwall fans ripping the seats out of the Normanton End at the Baseball Ground and hurling them at other supporters. I also remember the playoff 2nd Leg at the Den when Rams goalkeeper Martin Taylor had to run the gauntlet to get off the pitch unscathed. Let’s just hope it’s a good and trouble free game on Saturday, remembered for all the right reasons.
Score Forecast
Derby County 2-1 Millwall.
Current Lions Squad
Goalkeepers
David Forde
Ryan Allsop
Steve Mildenhall
Defenders
Alan Dunne
Tony Craig
Darren Purse
Paul Robinson
Tamika Mkandawire
Darren Ward
Jack Smith
Jordan Stewart
Midfielders
Liam Trotter
Hameur Bouazza
Chris Hackett
James Henry
Liam Feeney
Scott Barron
Therry Racon
Dany N'Guessan
Nadjim Abdou
Jake Gallagher
Strikers
Darius Henderson
John Marquis
Josh McQuoid
Shaun Batt
Aiden O'Brien
Tobi Alabi
Jay Simpson
For visitors to Pride Park
Parking
There is not a great deal of parking available close to Pride Park. The best bet is to either park in the city centre (lots of signposted car parks) or the Cattle Market Car Park.
Stay on the A52 to the Pentagon Island, take the first left and follow the road round to the left. It’s about a 10-minute walk to the Stadium.
There’s also a car park straight off the A52 at the Pride Park junction by the fireplace showroom however it’s a pain in the arse to get out of after the match. If you are looking for free parking head for Ascot Drive off the A6 and park down one of the side streets.
Where to drink
There are a few pubs and Eateries near the ground but not all admit away fans showing colours these days. The Navigation Inn on London rd has always been popular with away fans and there’s a Harvester and Frankie & Bennies on Pride Park.
The natives are friendly as long as you aren’t being an arse.
Near the station you have the Merry Widows and the Crown that are adequate however if you turn right out of the station you have the Brunswick & Alexandra pubs both of which serve real ale.