Middlesbrough V Derby County - Big Match Preview

Article by e-Derby Correspondent Chris Harrison

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Derby, approaching their final 7 matches of the season, will be looking for a vital 3 away points from an inconsistent Middlesbrough side. Derby have slim hopes of achieving automatic promotion but will want to cement their play off place as early as possible. They will also want to go into the playoffs with a decent end to the season to give them confidence for the play offs.

The Rams will also want to improve their record against Middlesbrough having only one a 3rd of all games in the history of this fixture. Derby have improved their recent record against Boro and are currently unbeaten in 3 matches. Middlesbrough on the other hand will be eyeing up a positive end to an average season which looks likely to leave them finishing.

Derby have received a double boost in the build up to the match, with the news that Derby’s loan players have been granted permission to play in the play offs. The East Midlands side have also released their financial statement for the year to confirm the debt has been paid by the owners and only the mortgage on the stadium remains. The news of the finances shows the club is being run in the right manner with annual losses being reduced from 7.9 million to 7.1 million.

The Rams look to have Will Hughes and Jamie Ward returning to the squad to travel to the north east this weekend. With Derby making light work of Charlton last week, it is likely that no changes will be made to the starting XI. Derby’s back 4 and goalkeeper will not be changed with the recent form the 5 are in. In Derby’s last 10 matches they have kept 5 clean sheets and only conceded a total of 5 goals, the form Derby will be wanting to continue in through to the play offs.

With Middlesbrough playing for virtually nothing with their championship status all but confirmed and being too far out of reach for the play offs, Derby should have the desire to overcome their opponents on Saturday. Derby will still need to ensure they do not take this side for granted as a team with nothing to gain or lose could be just as dangerous and opponent as any other.

Chris Martin will be looking to add to his goal tally this weekend and will want to be the first Derby player since Dean Sturridge in the 95-96 season, to score more than 20 goals in a season. Martin currently has 18 goals to his name, having recently added to his total in the 3-0 victory against Charlton last weekend. If Martin is to reach the feat this weekend, he will likely finish on the winning side and boost Derby’s promotion credentials.

Let’s all get behind the team and see the boys to another 3 points.......

Come on you Rams!!

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