Slightly shorter than usual

Saturday 24th October 2009
The Coca Cola Championship
Pride Park Stadium
Kick-off: 17:30
Referee: M Haywood
Derby County (19th) V Queens Park Rangers (10th)
By The Godfather

Queens Park Rangers will be hoping to follow up two outstanding home victories with a win against a struggling Derby County side on Saturday evening in a live BBC televised encounter. It must be remembered that consistency is key to a successful promotion campaign and Magilton’s men must continue the momentum away from home.

Derby County

Season 2008-09 finish: 18th place.

Manager: Nigel Clough.

In truth, since the club’s disastrous relegation from the Premiership, Derby County have struggled in the Championship. Last season, manager, Nigel Clough (son of the great Brian), guided the Rams to an 18th place finish – respectable given that relegation had been a serious possibility for much of the campaign.

However, County fans will be feeling very concerned at the start the team has made to the 2009/10 season. The Rams sit in 19th place in the Championship league table, having taken only 14 points from 13 matches. In addition, a defeat against fierce rivals, Nottingham Forest, earlier in the campaign will have added to the pressure mounting on Clough.

There is no doubt that the manager will be viewing Saturday afternoon’s game as a crucial fixture. In truth, with such a vulnerable defence, it’s going to be difficult for the Rams to pick up any points against a Queens Park Rangers side who are scoring goals for fun.

Men to watch

1. Derby County’s main attacking threat on Saturday evening will be current top scorer, Rob Hulse. The 29 year-old has bags of experience at this level, having enjoyed successful spells with Crewe, West Brom, Leeds and Sheffield United. Since signing for the Rams for 1.75 million pounds in 2008, the striker has notched 18 goals in 55 appearances. Hulse is a clinical finisher, as he is demonstrated throughout his career. He must be watched closely by the QPR defence.

2. With midfield/forward Kris Commons out injured, veteran striker, Paul ****ov, could partner Hulse in attack. The former Scottish international lists Arsenal, Manchester City, Leicester City and Blackburn Rovers among his former clubs. At the age of 36, ****ov could lack pace. However, he still possesses that all-important goalscoring instinct and he should not be underestimated.

3. On the left-hand side of midfield, Nigel Clough could hand a start to Gary Teale. The Scottish international has established himself as a first team regular since signing for the Rams two years ago. Previously he had enjoyed a very successful spell with Wigan Athletic, making 161 appearances between 2001 and 2007.

4. On the right flank, Clough is likely to select Lee Croft in his starting line-up. The 24 year-old signed for the Rams from Norwich during the summer. During his spell with the Canaries, Croft made 118 appearances, netting nine goals.

5. In central midfield, Derby have the man football supporters love to hate – Robbie Savage. The former Leicester, Birmingham and Blackburn man joined County in 2008. Since Nigel Clough’s appointment as manager, Savage has found his way back into the first team and has been named as club captain. The 35 year-old has 39 international caps for Wales to his name.

Previous Match

January 2009 – Queens Park Rangers ruined Nigel Clough’s first match in charge of the Rams, beating them 2-0 at Pride Park. After Rob Hulse had wasted a good chance in front of goal, Routledge fired the away side ahead with a fine low strike. More good work from the diminutive winger led to the Rs’ second goal, Leigertwood converting from inside the penalty area. Addison forced a brilliant save from Cerny in the second half, but the Rs held on for an excellent away victory. However, Martin Rowlands suffered a serious injury that kept him out for the rest of the campaign.

QPR Manager, Paulo Sousa: "I want to dedicate this victory to Martin Rowlands. He always wants to win, he is a fighter, our captain and our leader. We could have lost him for the season. We think there is a problem in one of his knees, we will know more later. We showed a lot of personality to come here and control the game. We played so well and I am delighted to get my first away win as QPR boss."

Derby County 0-2 Queens Park Rangers

QPR Team News

For Queens Park Rangers, Ben Watson will miss this match through suspension. Jay Simpson may be ruled out through a leg injury. Angelo Balanta is still struggling and Matthew Connolly is suffering from glandular fever. Lee Cook and Martin Rowlands remain long-term absentees.

Prediction

If Queens Park Rangers can produce a performance similar to that of the last two fixtures, this should be a comfortable win for Magilton’s men. The Rs must not become complacent. Derby, despite their lowly league position, do have some decent players at their disposal and should not be underestimated. To be optimistic, I will predict an away victory.

Derby County 1-3 Queens Park Rangers