Nigel Clough will be looking for his side to improve after they gave away fairly comfortable looking leads in each of their two competitive outings so far this season. The Rams were three goals ahead twice against Scunthorpe and two goals to the good against Sheffield Wednesday but did not win either match and they need to get out of the habit of conceding late goals as quickly as possible.
Bolton went down 2-0 to Burnley on the opening day as Owen Coyle returned to his former club and they will be looking to get into the winning habit in their first home game back in the Championship. Coyle will be looking for a positive reaction from his side and knows teams will see his side as a major scalp following their relegation from the Premiership last season.
New signing Conor Sammon will go straight into the squad for The Rams and will want to make a good first impression should he start after having only found the net once in eighteen months for Wigan and being touted as the main target for Clough as he looked to bring another striker to the club. Young Will Hughes has looked impressive during pre-season and made a decent start to the season on Saturday and it will be interesting to see if his retains his place in the side for the trip to the Reebok Stadium.
Vital Quotes:
Conor Sammon on his switch to Pride Park:
“I`m really looking forward to the challenge ahead, trying to help the team and doing well this season. I learned a lot from my time in the Premier League. I`m looking forward to a new challenge, looking forward to getting to know the lads, looking forward to working under the manager, and looking forward to playing in front of the fans.”
The Trotters Team News:
David N`Gog could miss out with a back injury with Matt Mills hoping to make his first league appearance at the other end of the pitch. Benik Afobe, on-loan from Arsenal, is also pushing for a start.
Player to watch: Kevin Davies
Always a handful when at his best, The Rams’ back line will face a tough night keeping the physical forward at bay.
The Rams Team News:
Conor Sammon goes straight into the squad and there are no further major injury worries after the opening day draw. Michael Jacobs will be hoping for a start after setting up four of the five goals in the Capital One Cup clash with Scunthorpe.
Player to watch: Paul Coutts
Impressed in pre-season but had a quiet game against Sheffield Wednesday on the opening day, will be looking to show what he is capable of at the Reebok Stadium.
Match Facts & Stats
Previous results:
Bolton Wanderers
v. Burnley (A) 0-2
nPower Championship, 18th August 2012
Derby County
v. Sheffield Wednesday (H) 2-2 Tyson, Buxton
nPower Championship, 18th August 2012
Next Fixtures:
v. Wolverhampton Wanderers (Away) 25/08/12 15:00