G.M's Match Preview: Rams To Open Home Account Against Addicks
Saturday, 15th Aug 2015 07:05 by George Martin

After an average start against Bolton and a poor display against League Two side Portsmouth, Derby will hope to kick start their season in front a big crowd at the iPro stadium.

Both Derby and Portsmouth made a number of changes to the starting eleven but it was the 2008 FA Cup winners who played with more energy and purpose.

Derby's only decent spells came at the end of the 1st half and towards the end of the game when then they sent on the cavalry with Martin, Ince and Thorne trying to rescue the situation.

Bent never touched the ball, Russell was frustrating and Dawkins barely passed the ball forward. Making his debut, Ssewsnkambo looked nervous and at times out of his depth. He may have deserved his chance based on pre season, but that's why they are pre season games. It was a mistake to start him, but he had to make his debut sometime.

Grant made a glaring error for their goal but before that, Hendrick gave the ball away, which allowed their player dribbled 30 yards unchallenged and score. For the other goal McGurk was allowed a free header and was unchallenged by Ssewsnkambo.

Today Derby welcomes a Charlton team who beat QPR 2-0 on the opening day of the season and comfortably overcame Dagenham and Redbridge 4-1 in the league cup.

Watt is an injury doubt but look out for Gudmundsson and Cousins returning to the side.

Derby's starting eleven will depend on their chosen formation. Carson will come back into goal and Baird should revert back to right back. It's a toss up between Forsyth and Warnock at left back as they both have been average, and Keogh should come in at centre back for Pearce.

There could be a midfield triangle of Hendrick, Thorne and Ince with Russell and Weimann out wide. That would leave Martin in the lone striker role. Alternatively, Ince could go out wide and Martin could play behind Bent.

Charlton were resilient against QPR early on and scored two good goals through Watt and Fox.

They will be organised and will get the ball down and play when they can. Derby will want to make a good, energetic start, but Charlton should not be underestimated.

However, the Rams will want to put right the performance and result from Wednesday evening and this game gives them the perfect platform to do so.

Prediction:

If Derby stay solid at the back and click going forward, they should create enough opportunities to win the game. Let's just hope someone is on hand to take them.

Derby to win 2-0.

Enjoy the game - COYR!!