Derby will be backed by a huge following of over 3500 fans at MK Dons, as they hope to put right the Sky Sports hoodoo of not having won on television in their last 9 attempts.
Two away victories were backed by a reasonably good home performance against a well organised, slightly defensive Burnley side. Both sides had chances but Heaton was the busier of the two keepers.
For Derby, Tom Ince should return to the right wing in place of Weimann who produced an ineffective and poor performance. To date, paying £2.75m for him does not seem like money well spent at all.
Clement’s biggest decision will be whether to bring in Rams Captain Chris Baird at right back. Most fans think Cyrus Christie has done enough to keep his place and that dropping him for MK Dons away, could destroy any confidence he has got back in recent weeks. It's not like Baird is an integral cog in the team or in the same leadership category as Stimac.
Clement commented that Baird being captain will not influence the decision. The other thing Clement should ask himself; has Baird been missed? No. Derby should attack MK Dons from all angles and Christie will add to this.
Johnson, Thorne and Butterfield should continue as a midfield trio, but one of them needs to get closer to Martin or run beyond him. Too many times against Burnley Martin was isolated. Russell should continue with the other wide berth spot. Bryson is STILL injured and has now barely put boot on grass in the past 6 to 8 months.
MK Dons were hammered 6-0 in the week by Southampton. They have also recently lost to Leeds but we're always in the game and experienced difficult matches against Boro and Burnley. MK Dons could be low on confidence so Derby will need to go for the jugular from the start.
Nicky Maynard, on loan from Cardiff, looks set to make his debut. Forster-Caskey and Gallagher will re join the squad having been cup tied in mid week, but Carruthers is suspended. Look out for top scorer Baker's mazy dribbles and shots. Bowditch, Lewington and Murphy are good players and will need to be watched closely.
Prediction:
MK Dons have lost their last five games and Derby needs to capitalise on this. As shown on Monday by his substitutions, Clement can be cautious and happily settle for a draw.
This is not a game to be sitting back; rather we must get on the front foot early. Get Ince and Russell running at their defence with Forsyth and hopefully Christie overlapping.
Create chances and score a goal early on. Take advantage of their low confidence and any doubts that creep in.
Derby to win 2-1 with Russell to score.
Wimbeldon 1 v 0 Derby
Saturday 9th of May 2004
Wimbeldon 2 v 2 Derby
11th September 1999
Wimbeldon 1 v Derby 1
11th January 1997
Paul Clement previews the away clash against MK Dons.
Bradley Johnson wants to get a win away this weekend.
COYR!!