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Ipswich Town (A)

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After an impressive midweek victory for England the Championship returns to action this weekend with The Rams travelling to Suffolk to face Jim Magliton`s Ipswich Town side aiming to carry on from an impressive victory against Sheffield Wednesday last time out. All internationals appear to have returned to Pride Park unscathed from various corners of the world so with no new injury worries and an addition to the squad Derby will put out a strong side as they look to keep moving up the table.

Paul Jewell today added Darren Powell to his squad on a short term deal as his defence is looking short on cover with Albrechtsen and Leacock still sidelined and not looking likely to return ahead of Tuesday`s clash with Preston. Lewin Nyatanga has shown good form during his extended run in the side and the smart money would be on Powell replacing Claude Davies if he is to start tomorrow. Up front Nathan Ellington is pushing for a return to the starting line-up alongside Rob Hulse who has looked sharp in recent weeks now he is fully fit again.

With a solid home record again in the league this season, having only suffered defeats to early pace setters Preston and Wolves, Ipswich will be looking to improve on last season after narrowly missing out on a top six finish and currently sit just outside the play-off places and ahead of Derby only on goal difference. Jim Magilton has recently brought back former Ipswich man Darren Ambrose on loan to a squad that boasts recent Premiership experience in the shape of Moritz Volz, Ivan Campo and Ben Thatcher. The Tractor Boys will be looking to get back to winning ways after losing 1-0 away at Doncaster last time out.

Vital Quotes:

“We’ve had countless knock backs from Premier League clubs regarding centre halves.

Darren is available, he knows the Championship, he’s an old fashioned defender and it just gives a bit of cover until the end of December.”

Paul Jewell talking to Radio Derby about his new acquisition.

Ipswich Town Team News:

Gareth McAuley may face a fitness test on the morning of the game as he looks to shake a hamstring injury whilst Moritz Volz is suspended but newly arrived loanee Darren Ambrose looks set to keep his place in midfield.

Player to watch: Jon Stead

Another former Derby loanee who was part of Billy Davies` promotion winning side two years ago before joining then Premiership Sheffield United in the January transfer window. Played wide in that season but always looked effective and has an eye for goal when presented with an opportunity, has scored five in the league so far this season for the Tractor Boys.

Derby County Team News:

Darren Powell may start after signing on a short term deal with Albrechtsen and Leacock still not available, all others have returned from international duty unscathed so this may be the only change to the side.

Player to watch: Nacer Barazite

Has a start under his belt after his return from injury and looks to be picking up his form again after the enforced lay-off. Showed his quality in the second half against Forest and for 90 minutes against Wednesday where he was a major threat down the right and teamed up well with Paul Connolly. Paul Jewell must be desperate to keep him when his loan expires in January.

Match Facts & Stats

Last five results

Ipswich Town

Plymouth Argyle (A) 3-1 Garvan (2), Lisbie
Charlton Athletic (H) 1-1 Garvan
Queens Park Rangers (H) 2-0 Stead (2)
Blackpool (A) 1-0 Norris
Doncaster Rovers (A) 0-1

Derby County

Nottingham Forest (H) 1-1 Villa
Brighton & Hove Albion (A) 4-1 Villa (3), Ellington
Reading (A) 0-3
Leeds United (H) 2-1 Villa, Ellington
Sheffield Wednesday (H) 3-0 Commons, Addison, Stewart

Match Prediction:

Another tough test for Derby as they travel to Portman Road to face an Ipswich Town side on a good run on home territory. The form from the Sheffield Wednesday stroll will be needed if The Rams are to get anything out of this one and with both sides fairly even in the table this will end with the honours even at 1-1.

Next Fixtures:

25th Nov v Preston North End (Coca Cola Championship) Pride Park

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