G.M's Match Preview: Rams Must Sting Bees To Stay In The Hunt
Friday, 14th Apr 2017 12:20 by George Martin

Derby are set to remain unchanged for their visit to Brentford after a dramatic injury time win against Birmingham last Saturday.

Derby made a great start to that game taking and early lead, but were pushed back and were fortunate not to concede an equaliser.

Eventually they did, but showed good resilience and determination not to concede again. A great pass by Carson sent Ince on his way and the Derby winger showed great awareness and composure to finish neatly over the on rushing and helpless keeper.

Derby face no new injury concerns or suspensions. Olsson and Johnson are being nursed through minor kicks received in previous games. Therefore the midfield three will consist of Bryson, Johnson and Butterfield.

Nugent will lead the line, with Russell and Ince on either wing. Vydra, Anya, Hughes and Bent will be looking to make an impact if and when needed in the second half. Rowett will manage the squad accordingly with another tough game at home to Huddersfield on Monday.

Brentford also have no new injury concerns or suspensions as they welcome the Rams. The Bees midfielder Josh McEachran is not yet fit to return from an ankle problem which has kept him out since February. However, he does hope to play before the end of the season. Centre-back Andreas Bjelland will not play, but could return for the Bees at Barnsley on Monday.

Brentford are a good footballing side that like to get the ball down and play. They create chances and score goals. This can also leave them a little open at the back which often leads to mixed results, hence their mid table status.

They recently had an excellent two nil win at home to Leeds, but then lost two one away to Cardiff. They have scored in their last 17 consecutive league games, but Derby have scored in 10 of their last 11 games against Brentford, so there could be goals at both ends.

Match Prediction:

Despite winning their last three games, Derby are still seven points off the play offs and are running out of games. It is still mathematically possible, so the Rams need a win and results to go their way to have any chance of sneaking into the number 6 spot.

Brentford are generally good at home and Derby seems to struggle to score away from home. This does not pose good ingredients for a Derby win, but hopefully confidence will be high.

Brentford 1-1 Derby and Nugent to score.