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G.M's MatchDay Preview: Time For Rams To Get Goals And Fell Forest
Saturday, 22nd Mar 2014 01:04 by George Martin

The two out of form East Midlands rivals go head to head today at the iPro Stadium, in what will undoubtedly be a tight encounter. Despite entering the final third on many occasions and creating chances in the past two games, Derby have been unable to convert the good football into goals.

Derby have not won any of their last four games, losing two. The last win was 1-0 against Bournemouth at home on the 22nd of February. Derby have also failed to score in their last four games, but on the other side we have also kept clean sheets in our last two games and the defending has been resolute. In my opinion, although we have not been scoring, we have still been playing good football and performing well.

Will Hughes looks set to start after shaking off a groin strain and the Derby coaching staff have indicated George Thorne will thrown into a baptism of fire to make his debut for the club. Hendrick looks like he could be the unlucky one to miss out.

If Thorne is the more natural replacement for Eustace in the defensive midfield role, then he should start. He looks large in stature which could help with the battle in midfield. I expect Dawkins and Ward to continue in the wide roles and Martin down the middle.

Andy Reid was rushed back by King Billy too soon after a hernia operation and now has a hamstring strain, so misses out. Kelvin Wilson could make a timely return in defence and Cox, Henderson and Mackie are all battling for a spot up front. Derby will have to keep a close eye on the trickery of Paterson while there are also rumours Lansbury could make the bench but Billy ‘NO mates’ Davies is keeping his cards close to his chest.

His cleverly timed appeal and personal hearing in regards to his 5 match ban, means the poisonous dwarf is able to be on the touchline for the local derby. However in the last game he actually chose to sit in the stand…. off his head!

Camera men and women watch out!

The players also need to watch out for the fouling, break up play, negative tactics deployed by the wannabe Alex Ferguson. In the reverse fixture back in September, the red dogs committed 26 fouls to Derby's 8 and it was Derby who had the player sent off! The average fouls committed by any one team in the in the Championship is 13.

Notts Forest have not won any of their last seven games in all competitions, losing four. Their last win was 3-0 at Huddersfield in the Championship on the 11th of February.

They have also lost two of their last three away games in the Championship after losing only two of the first 15 this season. Stats show they are out of form and reports also seem to back this up. Hopefully Derby will be able to capitalise.

If Derby are to win, we need to keep cool heads, 11 players on the pitch and continue playing good football, but it is vital we produce more quality and make better decisions in the final third.

There is often only one goal that wins it in recent encounters and it would not surprise me if both teams settled for a point, but I am going to go for Derby 2-1 win.

Enjoy the game.......if you can!


Current Form — Last 5 League Matches:

Derby (3rd): W, L, L, D, D

Forest (6th): L, L, L, D, D


The Stats That Matter:

The Rams were proving to be quick starters this season with 25 of their goal tally coming in the first 45 minutes of matches up until their last 14 matches during which time they have only managed 1. This is fast becoming a huge issue.

The goals have dried up for the Rams over the last couple of months after being the leading scorers in the Championship for most of the season. Leicester have now overtaken them on 65 goals with Derby stuck on 60 after failing to score in their last 4 outings.

Steve McClaren has collected 50 points of a possible 72 points as Rams Head Coach. Despite their recent slide in form, his team has still only lost 2 of their last 9 matches.

Forest are without a win in their last 7, meanwhile Derby haven’t won in their last 4. Derby have lost just 1 of the last 5 meetings with Forest.

Forest only won once at Pride Park, that win came under Billy Davies in 2011. This is the first match since the stadium was re-named to ‘The iPro’. Who will draw first blood?

Forest have won 5 on the road this season in the league, including a win at Leicester in November.

The Reds have conceded 14 goals in their last 7 outings.

Billy Davies has won 4 and lost 3 against the Rams while in charge of Forest.

There have been 5 red cards in the last 7 meetings between the sides.

The Rams have beaten just 1 (QPR) of the 4 current top 6 sides played on home soil this season.

After a recent dip, Derby lies 11th in the Championship’s form table. Forest’s slump means they are 23rd in the division’s form guide.

The side from across the A52 have the 7th best away record in the division yet they’ve won just 1 in their last 8 road trips.

Former Rams boss Billy Davies achieved Forest’s first double over Derby since 1990 with a double in the 2010/11 season. Here’s hoping Steve McClaren can stop him achieving a double of doubles.


Classic Clash — Rams vs. Forest:

24th of November 1979

Football League Division 1 - The Baseball Ground, Derby


Head Coach Preview — Video

COYR!!




Photo: Action Images



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