Derby look set to be unchanged from the team that defeated Ipswich at Portman Road seven days ago. They will play in front of a sold out iPro stadium as they look to consolidate themselves in the top two places.
The Ipswich win will have given huge belief and confidence to the team, particularly as Ipswich were in reasonable form leading up to the clash. To keep a clean sheet was outstanding.
For Derby, Grant will continue in goal for the injured Carson and the back four should stay the same as the Rams are starting to look very settled and almost pick themselves.
Russell and the in form Ince should continue on the wings, but Ince will be given licence to attack and roam in the centre as he has done effectively in the past two matches.
The midfield three should consist of Thorne, Johnson and Butterfield, although Hendrick may come in at some stage as Derby enters a busy festive period.
Although not scoring, Martin will continue up front. He again proved his worth in the build up to the away goal at Ipswich when he superbly controlled a difficult ball and laid it off to the on running Russell. His touch was too heavy but the ricochet fell kindly to the Rams, as did Ince's slightly deflected shot.
Fulham are still without a manger after the sacking of Symons a number of weeks ago. They are winless since October 31st and hover at the lower end of the table.
Scott Parker has recently come back from injury and should start in midfield. Dembele can be lively and a threat going forward while Stearman is usually steady at the back.
In Ross McCormack they possess a striker who in an instant can score or provide a telling assist for a goal. He will need to be marshalled closely and Derby needs to make sure they do not give free kicks away around the edge of the box.
Neither side have a good winning record in Boxing Day fixtures with Derby having won just 3 of the last 16 games played on Boxing Day and the Cottagers just 1 in the last 10. Derby will be looking to put this stat right in front of a massive crowd hoping for more festive cheer.
Prediction:
Form, statistics, data and player comparisons all point to a Derby victory. Fulham will be a threat on the break and from set piece but if Derby plays to their potential, they should have enough to grind Fulham down.
The Rams wide players needs to work hard to get back early and can then use their pace to counter attack with Derby having too much for Fulham to handle in midfield.
Butterfield and Johnson need to get close to Martin and the team as a whole will need to move the ball quickly as Fulham are bound to park 11 players behind the ball.
Derby should win and win well.
3-0 to The Rams with Martin, Ince and Butterfield getting the goals.
Thank you for taking the time to read my match previews and I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and that Santa was good to you!
COYR!
Fulham 2 v 0 Derby
Craven Cottage — 28th February 2015
Derby 1 v 0 Fulham
The Baseball Ground - 14th May 1983
Paul Clement hopes for an extra Christmas present this Boxing Day.
Cyrus Christie wants to carry his good form into todays sell out clash.
COYR!!