The Rams face a Barnsley team today desperate for points as they attempt to climb out of the relegation places, on the flip side, Derby will be looking to keep their slim chances of automatic promotion alive.
Parking the bus will do no good for the visitors as they require goals or at least a goal before they try to stifle the Rams. Unfortunately for the struggling Tykes they have neither the form nor ability to contain a team like Derby. In a game of open, free flowing football they would be sliced apart which may mean they will try to defend deep, frustrate The Rams midfield and attempt to strike on the break.
The return of Ward and Dawkins will make Barnsley’s job even harder as the creative couple will be looking for game time and an opportunity to secure a regular place in time for the playoffs.
I would expect Ward to replace Bamford in the starting line up, as young Patrick was at best ordinary on Good Friday and may be in need of a rest. Russell also struggled but I think he will keep his spot as he is a far more consistent, hard working player while Dawkins should be protected for at least one more match as he returns to fitness.
Hughes looked a bit lost and may be given a break after a quiet match against Doncaster and perhaps Jeff Hendrick, who was a lively sub, will get some more game time, especially if the Derby number 19 is still struggling to shake off his recent injury.
For Barnsley, defender Jack Hunt will miss with a hamstring but Paddy McCourt and Nick Proschwitz have been pushing for a start, and after only 1 win in their last 5 starts, the Tykes may need to change things up.
One to watch will be Tomasz Cywka who always puts in a great shift against Derby. Many fans still wish they had seen more of Clough's whipping boy at Pride Park - and in the past has tried to single handedly beat us (remember his 70 yard run and goal?) - I wish the boy well... but not today!
At this point in every season upsets occur, with teams at the foot of the table rising above a whole campaign of mediocrity, to grab unlikely points (see: Sunderland).
With a slight chance the Rams could steal 2nd place — this should be enough for Steve to keep this from occurring, as his players compete for places in a near fully fit squad at the business end.
Burnley have 3 very difficult fixtures to round off their season, so McClaren & Simpson will want their chargers to give themselves every chance of a massive late season steal by overturning their lower table opponents.
You never know they lose one and we win one…. doubt and nerves can do funny things to a team.
The Rams will win this one and win it well. Barnsley will attack and throw the kitchen sink at the home team at times but this will leave the game open and play right into Derby’s hands.
Rams to win 4-1 and an in form Wigan to roll Burnley 2-1…. just to add a bit of spice to the last couple of fixtures! Dare to dream…..
And remember to take your food donation to the iPro - of non-perishable food for those less fortunate as part of the Love Derby initiative. Give generously to those in need (see video below for more details!).
COYR!!
Derby (3rd): W, L, W, W, W
Barnsley (23rd): D, L, L, W, L
Steve McClaren has collected just over 66% of the points on offer since taking over as Rams Head coach taking 65 of a possible 93 points.
Derby has won 5 and lost 2 of their last 7 while Barnsley have only won 1 of their last 5 games, losing 3 and drawing 2.
The Rams have been victorious in their last 3 home matches scoring 11 goals and only conceding once. In comparison Barnsley have only kept 6 clean sheets for the entire season which is the worst in the league.
Barnsley last took points when visiting The Rams back in September of 2009 when they won 3-2.
30th August 1997 - The Premier League
COYR!!