G.M's Match Preview: Toughest Test Yet As Rams Look To Extend Recent Run
Monday, 21st Sep 2015 05:17 by George Martin

Tonight Derby entertains high flying Burnley in front of the Sky Sports cameras in what could be a cracking encounter.

Despite relegation from the premier league and inevitable sale of star players such as Danny Ings, Burnley do not seem suffering any kind of 'hangover', sitting 4th in the league, having won their last 4 games. Derby will also be confident having their last two away games.

Craig Bryson is still out injured, but there could be a welcome return in the CDM role for George Thorne. If he does start it is likely Hendrick will drop to the bench. If this game has come too early for Thorne then Johnson will play the holing role.

The Derby back four should consist of Christie, Keogh, Shackell and Forsyth with Shackell, no doubt bracing himself for taunts of being a greedy so and so from the travelling fans.

Ince should continue on the right and Russell on the left, while Weimann continues to be patient on the bench.

Martin will continue up front and wear the captain's armband in the absence of the injured Chris Baird. Darren Bent will be hoping for more time of the pitch, but this will depend on the score line.

The goalkeeper situation has become a slightly bizarre conundrum at Derby with Clement choosing to switch both Grant and Carson in recent games. Clement's explanation was not really specific and some fans are still confused. Thankfully, Derby have won the two games in question and neither stopper nor their defence made any costly errors.

Burnley have no new injury worries. Heaton will continue in goal and ex-Ram loanee Keane will be at centre back. He is their top goal scorer as Burnley have scored quite a few goals from set pieces.

Jones should start in the centre of midfield, with Vokes and new record signing Gray a danger up front. The Clarets have the goal scoring prowess, pace and skill to cause any defence in this league problems. Boyd will be an influence in Derby's final third and will be need to be closely marked and tracked.

Prediction:

Burnley are usually well organised and hard to break down, as well as being clinical in attack. This could be Derby's toughest test of the season so far, but will be confident after two back to back away wins. There will be chances at both ends, but given the money spent and experience, Derby will hope to dominate the centre of midfield.

If the chances are taken there could be a few goals.

A 2-2 score line with Martin to continue his recent form and score.