Saturday 28th August 2010
Npower Football League Championship
Pride Park Stadium
Kick-off: 15:00
Referee: M Haywood
Derby County (16th) V Queens Park Rangers (1st)
By The Godfather

Last Saturday's performance against Scunthorpe United was the best I have seen for quite some time. There was a real sense of passion and aggression about Queens Park Rangers, attributes that tend to lead to success in this division. I really hope it continues. Of course, the outstanding player so far has been Adel Taarabt, who has produced some sublime pieces of skill, causing the opposition so many problems. Super Hoops supporters will be hoping that the Moroccan can influence proceedings tomorrow, when the Rs come up against Derby County at Pride Park.

Derby County

Manager: Nigel Clough

Season 2009-10 finish: 14th position

That disastrous 2007/08 Premiership campaign dealt lasting damage to Derby County and it could be argued that Nigel Clough is still in the process of rebuilding the squad. After guiding the club to a respectable 14th-placed finish last season, the manager is now encouraging his side to play attractive football, with the players carving out pretty passing patterns. As we have seen with Queens Park Rangers over the last few years, this tactic can often leave teams vulnerable against clubs with a reputation for aggressive football (e.g. Sheffield United). Whether Clough's decisions prove to be fruitful remains to be seen.

Of course, one cannot pay too much attention to the league table at this stage of the season, but nevertheless Derby currently lie in 16th position. Their impressive win at Leeds United was followed by two losses against Cardiff and Coventry. The Rams were also knocked out of the Carling Cup by lower-league opposition. Therefore, Clough will be desperate to pick up a decent result against Neil Warnock's men. It should be an interesting encounter.

Men to watch

Derby's star striker, Rob Hulse, is likely to miss out on Saturday through an Achilles injury. Therefore, Clough will probably be relying upon the talented Tomasz Cywka for the goals. I watched County's victory over Leeds United on the BBC and the Polish forward posed a constant threat with his pace and skill on the ball. He could cause problems for QPR's back four. The 22 year-old joined the Rams from Wigan Athletic during the summer.

On the wing, Clough has arguably one of the best players in the division at his disposal: Kris Commons. Although he frequently struggles with injury, the 26 year-old seems capable of playing at a higher level. His talent at set pieces and crosses makes him a real asset to the club. The two full-backs will need to keep a close eye on the former Nottingham Forest midfielder on Saturday afternoon.

In central midfield, Derby have the man who everybody loves to hate. That's right, it's Robbie Savage. He is likely to be given the task of marking Taarabt on Saturday, something that he did very well when the two sides met last season. The 35 year-old, who lists Birmingham and Blackburn among his former clubs, is well-known for his aggressive approach, which often lands him in trouble with referees. Let's hope that Adel humiliates him.

At the back, Clough has the experienced Dean Leacock, a man who has made almost 100 appearances for Derby County. The 26 year-old is popular among the supporters, having produced some excellent displays in the heart of defence since he joined the club in 2006. Leacock previously played for Fulham and Coventry City.

Stephen Bywater is likely to retain the goalkeeping position against QPR. The talented shot-stopper has bags of experience in the Championship, having enjoyed spells with West Ham, Wolves, Coventry and Ipswich. The 29 year-old could provide the Rs' frontline with a stern test.

Previous Match

March 2010 - Queens Park Rangers were left ruing their missed opportunities, having to settle for a point against a very poor Derby County team. The Rams' main tactic seemed to involve hoofing the ball up the pitch in the hope of finding a black shirt. Rangers deservedly took the lead just before half time when Lee Cook slotted into the back of the net from the edge of the penalty area. County equalised in the second half when Robbie Savage's free-kick found Shaun Barker, who smashed the ball past Carl Ikeme in the QPR goal. All in all, not a particularly enjoyable match to watch.

Queens Park Rangers 1-1 Derby County

QPR Team News

Martin Rowlands is back in full training, but is unlikely to be named in the starting line-up. Fitz Hall may have to settle for a place on the substitutes' bench following an impressive display from Matthew Connolly against Scunthorpe United. Lee Cook meanwhile, remains a long-term absentee. Expect Warnock to name the same side that beat the Iron so impressively.

Prediction

It is important not to get carried away after three excellent results and I am sure that Warnock knows that his team cannot afford to become complacent. Although this has proved to be a successful away trip in recent years, Derby have some quality players of their own. However, I do feel confident about this match. Warnock has clearly made an impact on QPR's style of play: we are far more direct and aggressive, without being unpleasant to watch. Derby's tactic of passing the ball in pretty yet pointless patterns could work to Rangers' favour. For this reason, I am going to predict an away victory.

Derby County 0-1 Queens Park Rangers