Derby County V Huddersfield Town - e-Football Preview

Article by e-Derby County Correspondent Chris Harrison

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Derby go into the game having all but confirmed a playoff position, to compete for the final Premier league place for the 2014/15 season. It would be majorly unfortunate if they didn’t finish in the top 6, they currently hold an 11 point lead over 7th placed Brighton with the remaining 5 games to play. Huddersfield in contrast are yet to confirm their league status for next year after only recording 1 win in their last 10 games. A run that has seen them only 7 points above the relegation places.

The Rams will be looking to put the fixture right after drawing the Boxing Day fixture 1-1 earlier in the season after dominating for most of the match. Derby have improved on recent form, winning 3 of their last 5 matches. Huddersfield hold the better record in this fixture with 19 wins from the 49 times these teams have faced each other.

Derby look to have Jamie Ward returning to the side but Simon Dawkins is a few weeks away from a return with a groin injury. George Thorne looks to have cemented his place in the holding midfielder role with his brilliant performances since his debut in the home win against Forest. Craig Bryson’s position looks to also be confirmed after hitting his 16th goal of the season in the 3-1 win at Blackpool midweek. That will leave a battle for the final midfield spot between Will Hughes and Jeff Hendrick. Will was impressive in his first start in 5 matches and that could see a spell on the bench for Hendrick.

Derby’s defence will again be unchanged but they will want a clean sheet after leaking goals in the last 2 away matches. Lee Grant looks to continue his run in the team since his return to the Derby team last summer. Chris Martin will continue to play the lone striker role after knocking in his 20th goal of the season. He became the first player to score 20 goals or more in a season since Dean Sturridge (Uncle of Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge) in the 95/96 promotion winning season. Patrick Bamford and Johny Russell look likely to retain their positions out wide with the returning Jamie Ward and Mason Bennett keeping pressure on them from the bench.

Derby require form going into the playoffs if they stand any chance of taking the 3rd and final spot in next year’s Premier League. They currently hold the better form of the current 4 playoff positions and will want to get 15 points from the remaining 5 games. Although Huddersfield form is terrible approaching this game, the Rams need to ensure they do not take the visitors likely. A professional approach, as they did in the home victory against Charlton will be required to obtain the win that will boost the promotion credentials of this young side.

A win is the likely result on paper and Derby will have to show the fans that they are the best team on the pitch also. With similar fixtures in the last few games Derby have a very good chance of putting a run together going into the play offs. Let’s hope they get the 3 points on Saturday.......

Come on you Rams !!!

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