RamZone reporter I.Saw looks ahead to todays trip to the Riverside Stadium and what he thinks he and other travelling Rams fans may witness.
At Reading on Tuesday night the Rams were under the cosh and it took a world class save by Frank Fielding to keep the scoreline goalless at half time. In the stands we wondered if we could hold out for another forty five minutes under the relentless pressure of the Royals.
As it happened Theo Robinson at the far post, slotted the ball past the keeper and we led. It was our first attack of any meaning and it felt like we had committed the perfect crime, even the eventual draw left a warm glow.
This Saturday and the visit to Middlesbrough will possibly be more of the same and although the home side struggle to break down opponents who sit back and defend, I expect manger Tony Mowbray will demand a response after Forest inflicted their first defeat of the season this week.
Derby though are certainly taking the few chances they create at the moment which bodes well and the addition of Callum Ball to the squad adds the options of a physical presence and the ability to hold the ball which in turn allows others to join in attacks.
The potential of young starlet Mason Bennett may also be on display should he feature after a match winning performance for England's U16's recently.
My Prediction:
Boro 0 - 1 Rams
Man to Watch:
Marvin Emnes, a slightly built winger with electric pace and an eye for goal. Ignore the hair style this "dead eye dick" has scored eight goals so far this season.
Memory Lane:
Memories of March 1995, the old Ayesome Park, seats on terraces, the stand overhead stops above our head. Our row of seats the proverbial "Bird Poo Alley".
McFarland's Rams race to a three goal lead against title-chasing Middlesbrough by the interval.
Boro fight back and the score is 3-2 in Derby's favour, exactly the same as the betting slip I have in my hand. In the closing minutes Marco Gabbadini adds a fourth as I kiss goobye to £250.
You remember those kind of matches.