With Derby aiming to use the midweek Carling Cup victory as a kick-start to the season (sound familiar?) the debutants from the Deepdale victory look set to keep their places in the side. Without a league win between them both sides will be looking to this one to get off the mark and will see it as an ideal game to get the first three points of the season against another team struggling at the wrong end of the table.
Adam Pearson has dismissed reports that Paul Jewell had two games to save his job before the victory over Preston and it looks like the board are set to back Jewell despite the rocky start. It certainly isn`t time to start panicking yet and although the frustration of last season is starting to show in the crowd at home games a couple of decent results can put a whole new spin on the season. Whilst this is now Paul Jewells` team and he must take full responsibility for the results how many other managers with their own squad would be under pressure after only five games? Last season was unacceptable but it`s over and time to look to the future at Pride Park.
Just as you thought things couldn`t get any more comical Tyrone Mears looks set to miss out after the bizarre story coming out of Pride Park today of the former Preston and West Ham defender travelling to Marseille for a trial after he believed a deal had been struck between the two cubs for a potential loan deal. Whilst in France it conspired that no deal had been agreed on and Mears was in breach of club rules and will be disciplined when he returns.
Darren Moore looks set to line-up against his old club although the terms of Gary Teales` loan deal keep him out of this one. After a good run to the FA Cup semi-final last season and a late turn around to secure their Championship status things looked better for the Oakwell club and the summer signings of former Ram Moore and Iain Hulme from Leicester City led to an air of anticipation in South Yorkshire. An opening day defeat to fancied QPR was followed by a Carling Cup defeat away to Crewe Alexandra and further defeats cam at home to Coventry City and at St Andrews against promotion favourites Birmingham City
Vital Quotes:
I don’t know a chairman in the world who puts a number of games on it – it’s something made up in the press
Adam Pearson talking to Radio Derby concerning the reports Paul Jewell has two games to save his job
Barnsley Team News:
Iain Hume and defender Marciano van Homoet return from suspension and Gary Teale misses out under the terms of his loan to the Oakwell club.
Player to watch: Brian Howard
Played a starring role in Barnsley`s` cup run last season and looks to be good enough to make the step up to The Premiership, has already been on the score sheet this season and The Rams will need to keep a close watch on the Barnsley captain.
Derby Coubty Team News:
Ruben Zadkovich still not fit and looks like he`ll need an operation, Nathan Ellington back in training after a hamstring problem. Connolly and Stewart pushing for starts at fullback after the midweek victory. Tyrone Mears set to miss out after an unauthorised trip for a trial with Marseille.
Player to watch: Mile Addison
Impressive midweek debut for the youngster and looks set to keep his place after a dominant performance in midfield, is he the answer to the problems in the centre of the park so far this season?
Match Facts & Stats
Latest results
Derby County
Doncaster Rovers (H) 0-1
Lincoln City (H) 3-1 aet Ellington (3)
Bristol City (A) 1-1 Green
Southampton (H) 0-1
Preston North End (A) 1-0 Green
Barnsley
QPR (A) 1-2 Hulme
Crewe Alexandra (A) 0-2
Coventry City (H) 1-2 Howard
Birmingham City (A) 0-2
Match Prediction:
Seems we`ve been here before, a midweek Carling Cup victory followed by a clash of two winless teams struggling for a league victory. With the reduced pressure of playing away from home Derby will be looking to pick up a win and they`ll take this one 1-0 for a much needed boost.
Next Fixtures:
13th September v Sheffield United (Coca-Cola Championship) Pride Park