Derby will go into the first of two consecutive home games full of confidence after a fine passing display and victory against Bolton on Saturday.
After yet another penalty miss, Derby had to defend well for 15 minutes as Bolton grew in confidence. A block by the sometimes criticised Keogh, was timed to perfection and that single moment alone demonstrated his value to the team and the club. He anticipated the shot, timed the block to perfection and put himself where it would hurt. Brilliant!
Martin poked home the opening goal after great work by Ward and the overlapping of the ever impressive Christie. From that moment there was only gong to be one winner and if Russell had his shooting boots on in the final minutes, it could and should have been four nil.
However, Bournemouth will be a different commodity altogether. They are well organised, hard to break down and play some neat attacking football, often on the break.
The Cherries have lost only one of their last seven games in all competitions. Their only defeat since 23rd August was a shock 3-1 defeat against Leeds at home in the Championship in the middle of September.
They have also lost only one of their six away games in all competitions this season. Their only defeat on the road was 3-2 at Blackburn in the Championship on 23rd August.
Boric should continue for them in goal after he came in for Camp against Wigan. Derby summer transfer target Francis will look to get forward from right back and look out for left back Harte's set pieces.
Stanislav, Surman and Ritchie will provide quality in midfield and Derby’s defence will need to be wary of the aerial threat of Kermorgant, who scored in their 2-0 victory at Wigan on Saturday. If things are not going their way, look out for the experienced Pugh and Pitman to impact from the bench.
For Derby, Buxton and Dawkins are doubtful with hip flexor problems while some reports suggest Hendrick could make a welcome return on the bench.
As long as there are no niggles, knocks or tired legs from Saturday, Derby should remain unchanged. If some players do start to tire in the latter stages, then Mascarell, Russell and Best will provide energy and pace from the bench.
If Derby does have ambitions of automatic promotion then they will be looking to gain three points and put added pressure onto Norwich and Notts Florist. But this is likely to be a tough game in which Bournemouth will be hard to break down and a danger on the break.
This is a difficult game to call. Heart saying and wanting a win, head saying it could be a score draw.
Head has won on this occasion, so I am going to play safe and go for a draw, but a win against a strong, well organised team would certainly send a message to the rest of the Championship.
COYR!
Derby - 6th ( D, D, W, D, W ):
The Rams will have gained more confidence with their efforts over the last week - with a 2-0 victory over Reading in the Cup and a 2-0 win away at Bolton on Saturday. After letting in too many soft goals this season — two consecutive clean sheets could prove to be a turning point.
From their last 4 meetings - Derby has had the better of Bournemouth with 3 wins and 1 draw.
Derby has only lost one match from 12 hit outs this season in all competitions. The loss came away from home but at home they are undefeated from 6 games with 4 wins and 2 draws.
Bournemouth — 14th (D, D, L, D, W):
After a run of average League results — like the Rams — the Cherries had a good week with a 0-3 Cup win in Cardiff and a 2 — 0 win at home against a struggling Wigan.
You have to go back to January 1985 for the last time Bournemouth last beat Derby when they ran out 3-2 winners in the old 3rd division.
Bournemouth matches the Rams impressive record on the road this season having only lost 1 of their 6 away matches.
Derby 1 vs. 0 Bournemouth - The Rams were lucky to get the 3 points against an organised Bournemouth unit - but in the end a fabulous free kick from Chris Martin was enough!
iPro Stadium
22nd February 2014
Due to a lack of classic match video highlights available — the best we could manage is highlights from a 3 — 3 pre-season friendly in 2010.
At least there are lots of goals including a great free kick by Kris Commons— Enjoy!!
Steve McClaren & Craig Forsyth preview the Bournemouth clash.
COYR!!