G.M's FA Cup Preview: Derby Aim To Give Chelsea The Blues
Sunday, 5th Jan 2014 05:53 by George Martin

After a frustrating game against a resolute and well organised Wigan side, Derby welcome big spenders Chelsea to the iPro stadium, for a sold out 3rd Round F.A. Cup clash, which will also be broadcast live on BT Sport.

Wigan managed to stop Derby playing the ball out from the back, which meant Derby struggled to get the ball forward with any purpose. They matched our 4-3-2-1 formation and played high up the pitch, knowing they could leave space in behind. Wigan was unlucky not to take the lead in the first half, but Derby managed to get to half time with the score at 0-0.

Derby played with more purpose in the second half and tried to move the ball quicker but as the game went on, it was clear that one goal was going to win it.

The introduction of Dawkins added more life to Derby's attack but they were undone by a quickly taken short corner. Every Derby player and fan saw it, but only Dawkins went over to close down. With the players looking at each other, no one took responsibility to go and help Dawkins. The resulting shot was invited and a screamer of a shot found the top corner.

Derby had chances to equalise and deserved to do so, with the best falling late on to Martin. Personally, I was surprised he went at it with his left foot, but running in at speed, he clipped it wide with the goal gaping. Overall, it was that kind of day.

Chelsea will bring a strong squad for the F.A. Cup tie with Derby and why wouldn't they? Despite the defeat on New Year's Day, Derby's form has been brilliant so Chelsea will show us the respect we deserve.

Chelsea defender David Luiz could return after suspension. Whether he plays at centre back in midfield is anyone's guess. I would say midfield. Frank Lampard, Branislav Ivanovic and Marco Van Ginkel all remain unavailable through injury.

Goal scoring midfielder Craig Bryson faces a fitness test after sustaining a dead leg on Boxing Day. Rams head coach Steve McClaren may use the opportunity to play Jeff Hendrick. Jonny Russell is also out with a fractured cheekbone after a terribly late midair challenge against Wigan - just another moment of madness from the referee in that clash that drove me crazy! Simon Dawkins will play on the left and Jamie Ward back on the right.

Derby is making all the right noises about having nothing to lose, playing with expression and to hopefully enjoy the challenge. A full house will give the players a great lift and they will hopefully embrace the occasion. If Derby does win, it will no doubt be seen as a huge upset considering Chelsea's million dollar men.

As long as we give them a ‘good game' and make a genuine go of it, then I am sure the fans will be happy.

Personally, I just want to still be in the game for the full 90 minutes. Although it will be a huge test, it is possible.

I am more confident of a possible cup upset than I would ever have 3 months ago.

Remember your scarf!

Current Form (League Position) — Last 5 League Matches:

Derby (Championship - 4th): W, W, D, W, L

Chelsea (Premier League — 3rd): W, D, W, W, W

The Stats That Matter:

The Rams are proven quick starters this season with 24 of their goal tally coming in the first 45 minutes of matches.

Steve McClaren has collected 32 of a possible 40 points since taking over at Derby.

The Rams have the highest goals ‘for’ in the Championship with 48, as well as the best conversion rate per shots on goal.

Until their defeat at home on New Years Day - The Rams went 9 games unbeaten with 8 wins and 1 draw.

Despite having not lost in their last 5 League matches — Chelsea were defeated by Sunderland in the League Cup Quarter Final on December 17th.

Derby & Chelsea has met 6 times in the Cup before with the ledger all even as each team has two wins each with two draws. Can someone take the lead today?

The last time they met in the FA Cup was also in the 3rd round. On that day in 1988 Chelsea were the victors when they triumphed 3-1 at the Baseball Ground.

The last and only time the Rams have won the FA Cup was in 1946. In contrast Chelsea has won Cup 7 times — the most recent being in 2012.