 Monday, 27th Aug 2007 17:09 A chance for the Rams to get a much needed win under their belts or another chance for a banana skin at a lower division team? Derby County V Blackpool Blackpool, like the Rams, are a team adjusting to life in a new division. Their 2-0 win over Yeovil (conquerors of two times European Champions Nottingham Forest don’t you know?) saw them promoted to the Championship. Simon Grayson seems to have woken the slumbering giant that is Blackpool. They finished last season with eleven consecutive victories, and indeed only relinquished their unbeaten run on Saturday. The difference between the teams seemed to be former Rams target Freddy Eastwood who scored both of Wolves goals. Simon Grayson said after the game; “Freddy Eastwood cost Wolves £1.5m from Southend and yet we have a team full of free transfers. In fact, we could not swap our whole team for Freddy Eastwood.” Grayson went on to describe how he’s planned for the game; “We had a game plan and it was working well because we got Wolves on the back foot, their players were looking edgy and the crowd had been silenced. We took the lead and should have gone on to make it 2-0. But instead Wolves equalised and at 1-1 it raised their energy levels.” Billy Davies take note. Hello by the way to the Welcome Inn Tangerine Army who I seem to see on their bus regularly on the M6! Current Blackpool Squad Last 5 games Danger Men Taylor-Fletcher is a doubt for Simon Grayson having picked up a Calf injury during Saturday’s game. Further injury concerns are striker Ben Burgess and midfielder Wes Hoolahan. Former Ram Ian Evatt may return after an injury. The mood on the message board The Rams It is fairly obvious from the last two performances that the Rams are short of firepower and the creative touch to open up defences. None of our strikers are yet off the mark and chances have been few and far between. This has led many to get on the players' backs – with Rob Earnshaw and last year's hero Steve Howard both getting some criticism. It seems that these days unless you are a hit form minute one, you can expect stick. Rob Earnshaw has played probably less than 4 matches for the Rams and already people are saying what a waste of money. Stepping up to the Premiership is a tall order for any team and Earnshaw can’t be expected to bed in straight away. Besides which, even the best strikers need someone to supply the killer ball – which doesn’t seem to be happening yet. Steve Howard has worked hard up front but has little to show for his sweat. This has led some people to say that he’s batting above his league. There’s talk of a move to Fulham however again it seems that a couple of dry games has clouded peoples memories. Howard has done well in the air, winning a lot of ball against class defenders. Like Earnshaw he’s been let down by the final delivery into the box. He’s also not really seemed to gel with Earnshaw as a strike partnership. The same could be said of the partnership with Fagan on Saturday however Steve Howard is not a quitter. A goal against Blackpool may be just the confidence booster he needs. Claude Davis aggravated his rib injury on Saturday so may be rested. Billy Davies will probably rest several other players. Possible team: Price, Edworthy, Moore, Leacock, McEveley, Jones, Todd, Camara, Fagan, Earnshaw, Howard. What the bookies think Information for travelling fans Driving: It’s about 120 miles to Derby via the M55, M6 to Junction 16 and then the A500 to the A50 for Derby. The best exit for Derby is just before the M1 where a left will take you into London Rd. You don’t need me to tell you that the M55 junction with the M6 is a traffic nightmare – as is the M6 all the way to Thelwall. You’ll probably get held up in Stoke as well. I would give it two to three hours minimum. Parking: It used to be at the old Wilmorten College site however that is now a building site so away fans should park at Catalyst on London Rd opposite the Navigation pub. It’s about 10-15 minutes from the ground. Don’t be tempted to park at Pride Park shopping centre unless you fancy being clamped. You can also park for a £5 at the hospital further up London Rd near the hospital and the Railway station. Mick’s Prediction If we get on top early on, I’d say we’ll win it at a canter. If we struggle to contain them and concede, I fear the worst. Photo: Action Images Please report offensive, libellous or inappropriate posts by using the links provided.
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