 Friday, 28th Dec 2007 22:51 After two inspired performances, the Rams will be hoping to finally get another win under their belts in the last match of 2007. Derby County v Blackburn Rovers The second half of the season gets underway on Sunday and the Rams have to improve considerably from the first half to have any chance of survival. It could have been 4 points from the last two games, but two late goals have left Paul Jewell's men with just one. Of the three matches, many would say this is the easiest and if Derby can reproduce some of the play they have shown recently, a win should be possible. That's not to say Blackburn is an easy team to face. No team in the Premier League is and Blackburn is in the second group behind the big 4, chasing an UEFA Cup spot. They started the season brightly but have only one win from the last nine matches, and that was against the same team Derby have managed to beat; Newcastle. They played late Thursday night at Manchester City and managed a 2-2 draw after a late equaliser by Roque Santa Cruz, scoring both of Blackburn's goals. That might mean some of the confidence is back in Mark Hughes' squad but Derby fans will also be hoping it has left them a bit tired as they have had shorter time to rest. Current Blackburn Squad Last 5 games Danger Men The Rams Fortunately, and sadly, no one in the Rams team is irreplacable but the Rams have to rely on players like Michael Johnson putting in another great performance to pull this one off. Perhaps we will find some new heroes in the squad as new players are forced to step forward and take responsibility? Apart from a few poor goal kicks, Lewis Price certainly didn't do much wrong against Liverpool in his Premier League debut. It is the last match before the January transfer window opens so we could see a changed side soon with new players being brought in. Many of the players who face Blackburn will also be fighting for a place in the squad and continued life in the Premier League. What the bookies think Information for travelling fans Driving: Blackburn to Derby is about 130 miles. Take the M65 to J29 of the M6 then head south until J16 or J15 (not much in it) then A500 to the A50 through Stoke. Follow the A50 to Derby and stay on it until the turn off for Alvaston. There will be traffic around Alvaston however if you stay on London Rd you can get to the parking areas described below. Parking: It used to be at the old Wilmorten College site however that is now a building site/New houses 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. Arild’s Prediction I actually have a pretty good feeling about this game, but I wouldn't be surprised if everything went pearshaped again. I think we will find out in the first 10 minutes what to expect.
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