Match Preview

Burnley (H)

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It`s back to Championship action again for Derby County after a two week break as they welcome Burnley to Pride Park. The Clarets gave The Rams a 3-0 thumping at Turf Moor back in November when three early goals put the home side out of site before Derby had turned up. They will need to be on form to take something from this game with the visitors looking set for the play-offs and having beaten a number of Premiership sides so far this season.

Nigel Clough went on record as stating the international break came at a good time for his side and there are one or two injuries that appear to have cleared up with Jay McEveley and Chris Porter looking set to be involved although Kris Commons could still miss out. The break gave The Rams squad time to re-charge their batteries and they will come back refreshed for the run in and the vital eight games that can see them preserve their Championship status for next season. The remaining internationals appear to have returned from their travels unscathed and Clough will need his entire squad with a number of games against some of the top sides in the coming weeks.

Burnley currently sit fifth in the Championship and with six games to go look as though they are set to claim a play-off berth. They matched Derby`s league cup exploits and took Spurs to extra time before going down to two late goals in their semi-final having taken the scalp of a number of Premiership teams on their run, most notably Chelsea and Arsenal. They also reached the last eight of the FA Cup before going down to Arsenal at The Emirates stadium. They are currently on a run of one defeat in eleven in the league and a Robbie Blake winner gave them a 2-1 victory at Home Park against Plymouth Argyle last time out.

Vital Quotes:

‘The players have had a good few days off over the weekend – it’s important to get away, rest and make sure they are prepared for the final eight games.

‘It’s in a short space of time and we have some top teams to play.’

Nigel Clough talking to Radio Derby about his side`s preparation for the run-in to the season.

Derby County Team News:

Chris Porter and Jay McEveley may return from injury after resting in the international break although Kris Commons may not have recovered sufficiently to play. Steve Davies is ruled out for the season with his broken foot.

Player to watch: Chris Porter

Raring to go after his recent injury problems after his partnership with Rob Hulse looked to picking up as he bagged three goals in his previous two appearances. The international break has given him time to recover and regain his place up front.

Burnley Team News:

Raring to go after his recent injury problems after his partnership with Rob Hulse looked to picking up as he bagged three goals in his previous two appearances. The international break has given him time to recover and regain his place up front.

Player to watch: Martin Paterson

Leading scorer for The Clarets this season and bagged two goals as his side turned The Rams over 3-0 earlier this season, has 17 goals to his name including 11 so far in the league.

Match Facts & Stats

Last five results

Derby County
Swansea City (H) 2-2 Porter (2)
Bristol City (H) 2-1 Porter, Hulse
Southampton (A) 1-1 Davies
Sheffield United (A) 2-4 Hulse, Bannan
Barnsley (H) 0-0

Burnley
Arsenal (A) 0-3
Crystal Palace (H) 4-2 Carlisle, Alexander, Thompson, Rodriguez
Nottingham Forest (H) 5-0 Blake, Elliott, Carlisle, Rodriguez, Gudjonsson
Ipswich Town (A) 1-1 Elliott
Plymouth Argyle (A) 2-1 Caldwell, Blake

Match Prediction:

With a number of players returning from injury it will be a stronger line-up as Derby go in search of more points for survival, they will be tested by a strong Burnley outfit and this will finish 1-1.

Next Fixtures:

8th April v Cardiff City (Coca Cola Championship) Ninian Park

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