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Ryan's Ramble - Wembley Edition: Our Chance To Join The Elite!
Saturday, 24th May 2014 07:55 by Ryan Weston

I guess we’ve been gearing up to Saturday May 24th since early in the New Year, especially after the thought of automatic promotion, in my mind at least, died in the early knockings of January.

Of course, the flame was extinguished fully with defeat at Turf Moor, then subsequently at home to Oscar winning Millwall. Still, I am still struggling to believe that myself and 38,000 odd friends will be strolling down Wembley Way this afternoon.

Excitement is giving way to nerves, plans for Anfield, the Emirates et al quickly disappearing to thoughts of standing staring at empty seats at St Andrews. Saturday needs to hurry up!

My attitude to the biggest game for seven years is one that has stuck with me for the vast majority of the season - expect the worst - then anything else is a bonus!

Being favourites, taking final league positioning into account, in my opinion will have no bearing whatsoever in terms of preparation or final result.

Given their wage bill, ‘international’ class players and parachute payments, the team that should be most-nervous are our opponents. ‘Arry’ basically alluded to this in his pre-match rambles, the attempted diversion of pressure by calling us, ‘the bookmakers favourites’ tells me all I need to know. So just where is the richest game in world football going to be won, or day I say, lost?

For me, alongside many so-called experts, the midfield area could well prove key. Our first decision is who to play in the middle of the park. My three would be Bryson, Thorne and Hughes, with Hendrick missing out by the fractions akin to that of the hair on Lee Grant’s head.

This said, I do feel that Jeff will get the nod from McClaren. Regardless, the large playing surface at the home of football will serve as an advantage to our midfield runners. The trick will be how to handle a certain Joseph Barton, who there will be no doubt, will use every last dirty trick in the book to stifle, annoy and ultimately bully us out of our rhythm.

If we can stop him manipulating and better still, get him booked in the early going, the game could well open up in our favour.

What has had me waking up in a cold sweat for the last ten days (apart from the thought of Ravel Morrison wearing gloves), is the thought of our nemesis and one time target scoring yet another goal against us.

Yes, Mr Charlie Austin must relish facing the Rams, having scored an absolute bucket-full in our encounters in recent times. Our most-recent victory over the R’s saw the striker side-lined, thus leading to a frontline that was as much use as the taxman in Arry’s house…

Much though will rely on our own hit-man. As throughout the campaign, if Martin doesn’t play cold and can escape the attentions of Richard Dunne, then our chances of joining the top-table will increase ten-fold. The battle between this pair could well come down to who is the most wily, who can make the correct decision between play-on and a foul. If Chris stays on his feet, I know where my money is.

Danger is apparent in the wide areas, where Hoillett in particular was impressive in the previous meeting. A good game (good game) from Forsyth though, with his forward instincts, could well be where we can attain the most momentum. That will be the clincher for me. If we can or are allowed to play our normal, slick game, then the bookies may be right. If QPR succeed in stifling then it really is game-on.

How apt then that it comes down to the resurgent Rams against the team where our Steve began the season as sorcerer’s apprentice. Apprentice’s though often go onto become masters. Just how many employers have fallen foul of former employee’s biting the hand that they once fed?

Everyone expected the Rams faithful to be on holiday by now, picking the bones out of another lack-lustre campaign over warm pina-coladas. Instead, the early mini-bus to London is calling.

The chance to join the elite (and Stephen Pearson) looms as large as the Wembley arch.

Just one more win required.

One more game where Bucko is a colossus.

One more game of Bryson covering every blade of grass - three times over.

One more Chris Martin goal.

One more win.

To the victors, the spoils.

To the losers, Brentford away.

Come on Derby!




Photo: Action Images



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