Giants fell from the mix in the fourth round of the Carling Cup and given a bit of luck in the fixtures, a place in the final four or even the final is a definite possibility for the Rams.

Obviously the first preference for the club would be to play the at Pride Park, which is finally becoming the fortress it always should have been. Home support, TV coverage and some extra dollars from hosting the game would be ideal for the clubs growth.

The decision for who the Rams meet will be today (Saturday) and when the draw is finalised which team would be best to face off against? Maybe jumping in the deep end against Premiership opposition would be best to try and continue the recent giant killings in the cup. Alternatively continuing to mop up teams who have already done just that (eg: Leeds) who are more on par in quality with the Rams, would give them the best opportunity to make the final.

With the question posed I have put together, in order of preference, who I think would be the best team to meet for the best chance of a genuine cup challenge.

Watford:
The Rams are yet to meet the Hornets but as they languish in the bottom 3 of the championship if their current form continues their lack of confidence will be easy to exploit. Overcoming Championship surprise packet Swansea will have given them some impetus but definitely the team to pray for if the club want the best chance of progressing home or away.

Stoke:
At the time of writing the team sit twelfth in the Premiership but still are only two points clear of the bottom three and must be one of the favourites for the drop as the season takes shape. Perhaps it will be a surprise to some that I have placed them second but after only having to overcome League Two Rotherham they will also have one eye on their Premiership campaign. Perhaps this will make them a more nervous opponent if the Rams are hard at it from the first whistle and score early.

Burnley:
I placed them 3rd mainly because of their good league form and also the fact that beating Chelsea will have them roaring on all cylinders for their next opponent.

There is no history this season against them but the curse of ‘B’ clubs in cup competition could also be a factor but hopefully we have buried that in recent years.

Blackburn:
Besides the ‘B’ curse, Rovers have a talented squad but poor Premiership form could be a factor providing it continues. As their season unfolds I believe they will climb the table and not be the ideal opposition in a sudden death cup clash. With two of the most talented Socceroos in their team, (Emerton & Grella) I would be one very nervous Aussie.

Arsenal:                                                                                                                 The schizophrenic gunners have once again produced pendulum like performances this season and seemingly will tease their fans again in the title race. With a long history of bowing out of the cup race to lower league teams, they may be a preferred target with a home game against them being a great event for Derby even if they bowed out.

Manchester United:
Currently eight points off the pace in the Premiership and struggling with indifferent form and injuries, the all conquering red devils may, as in previous years, field a under strength squad in a cup clash. That said, under strength would still mean an awesomely talented squad and they would keep some big guns on the bench for emergencies.

As with Arsenal, drawing Man U would be worth it just for the focus on the club that such a clash brings with it. 

Tottenham:
Revived and determined under Harry Redknapp, Spurs are a new team. With re-gaining respect their mission in the league, winning a cup to get something from the season will be top of their list.

They will field their best squad for every game and with Tom Huddlestone now an established player in the team; he would no doubt pop up to put the Rams to the sword in the tradition of ex players tearing out Rams fans hearts. Under the tutelage of wily old Harry who famously led Portsmouth to FA Cup success last season, they are the team I think will have to be beaten this year for the trophy. 

So for me it’s Spurs for the cup, a team who only weeks ago were seemingly spiralling towards disaster. That type of form reversal proves the adage that football really is a ‘funny old game’ and nothing is impossible.

That same adage is why with a good draw and players giving it everything Derby County could lift the cup. The team is in a position to challenge for their first piece of non-league silverware since their Texaco Cup victory in 1972. Let’s hope they don’t waste the opportunity.

**UPDATE**.... Stoke V Derby in the first week of December is the way the cards fell. My second choice on this list but not at home as hoped. Here's hoping they receive a few Premiership batterings before the clash to soften them up a bit.

C’mon Ewe Rams!

Photo: Action Images

Derby County Polls