The all round performance, lack of chances created, coupled with some poor decision making and defending, left us all feeling very flat after the Burnley. Clough would like us to believe it is a blip and we are playing well. But to have played 3 home league games and still not have won is simply not good enough if we are going to consistently compete in the top 8, thus being in and around the play-offs.
Teams coming to Pride Park so far have made themselves hard to break down and have a game plan. Put at least 10 men behind the ball, wait for the Derby mistake, wait for the bit of luck or wait for Derby to take the lead and fall into the trap of dropping deeper and deeper as the game goes on.
I personally found the decision to take off Freeman at half time and for Clough to publicly blame him three times for 2 goals very, very harsh. What was Buxton doing? Where was the midfield? What were Grant and Keogh doing on the high cross to the back post?
If Nigel is being consistent, then Forsyth should not have played in the next game after Leicester due to the many, many times he gave the ball away. Oh, he can't, I forgot, we do not have anyone else who could play there! The inconsistencies and man-management at times leave a lot to be desired. However, it looks like former Lions loanee Adam Smith, will start at right back. I just hope Freeman has the character and mental strength to carry on learning, developing and improving.
On a brighter note Derby will aim to keep their unbeaten away record this season intact at Millwall. All the signs look like John Eustace will make his league debut. The media are saying it will be in place of Hendrick, but he did not play against Burley so will it not be in pace of Coutts, or is that just me!?
There is a possibility Ward will not start having been away on international duty, so Coutts may keep his spot, but personally I would start him against Millwall and rest him for the tougher (on paper) trip away to Bolton on Tuesday.
Millwall manager Steve Lomas has strengthened his squad with the addition of striker Martyn Waghorn on loan from Leicester City, former Rams full back Paul Connolly on a short term deal and the extended loan of midfielder Shaun Derry from QPR. Alan Dunne is forced to sit this game out through suspension following his sending off at the Amex Stadium.
Derby have a poor record at the New Den, but again, I feel if Derby are to be top 8 contenders then this is a game we should be looking to win. They have not spent money on transfers; they have an inexperienced manger and made a poor start to the season, languishing towards the bottom of the table.
My prediction?
Derby to win with both Russell and Martin to score.
We will see..............
Classic Clash vs. Millwall: