The Rams face Millwall in the capital city on Saturday in the 3rd round of the F.A. Cup. This is the first F.A. Cup game for Derby since the 1-4 loss to Manchester united in the 5th round last year, but tomorrow’s opposition have already tasted action in the competition against two teams this season. They twice overcame lower league opposition in Staines town and AFC Wimbledon but will surely face a different task when Derby come to town, with Nigel Clough’s men coming in to the game on the back of three away clean sheets and 5 excellent points.
Vital Quotes:
New signing Lee Johnson is likely to be involved in the squad for the Millwall fixture, and Nigel Clough has hailed him as a potentially important figure: Rams boss Nigel Clough said: ‘Lee is a terrific player and gives us some much needed cover in the midfield positions. We are grateful to Bristol City for allowing him to come and also allowing him to feature in the FA Cup tie; he will certainly be in the squad.’
Adam Bolder is relishing coming up against one of his former teams but accepts he may not start the cup clash: ‘I have been in and out of the side this season, so it’s been a bit frustrating,’ said the former Derby City man. ‘But we’ve been doing quite well and have kicked on after the disappointment of missing on promotion last season.’
Bolder acknowledges that home advantage could be key in the fixture, taking into account his side’s excellent home form this season: ‘We have struggled a bit away from home but our home form has been good,’ Bolder added. ‘However, we are under no illusions this weekend, it is going to be tough. Derby are a big Championship club. But Millwall can be a difficult place to come to, with the fans getting behind the team. It would be a good scalp for us if we can win.’
Millwall Team News:
Wolves defender Darren Ward has been signed on a permanent deal and will probably start against The Rams. Scott Barron and Danny Schofield are possibilities for manager Kenny Jackett but all-time top scorer Neil Harris is out injured, as is Gary Alexander.
Player to watch: Steve Morison
Striker Morison has notched nine goals in 20 appearances this season for The Lions and at 6′ 2′ poses a considerable physical threat.
Derby County Team News:
Dean Moxey is to come in for the suspended Jay McEvely having returned from a ban himself. DJ Campbell is not eligible to appear and Paul Dickov has returned to Leicester City after the conclusion of his loan period, so Chris Porter is likely to partner Rob Hulse upfront. Academy striker Calum Ball will take a place on the substitutes bench. New signing Lee Johnson will also be involved. Robbie Savage is banned as a result of his booking at Newcastle
Player to watch: Miles Addison
Addison was simply superb against Newcastle on Monday and played a key role in maintaining a run of clean sheets away from home. He matches Steve Morison for size and it will be an interesting battle.
Match Facts & Stats
Last 5: Derby County
Newcastle United (a) 0-0
Blackpool (h) 0-2
Doncaster Rovers (h) 0-2
Watford (a) 1-0
Preston North End (a) 0-0
Last 5: Millwall
Bristol Rovers (h) 2-0
Norwich City (a) 0-2
Charlton Athletic (a) 4-4
Walsall (h) 2-1
Staines Town (h) 4-0
Next Fixtures:
Derby County vs. Scunthorpe United, Saturday 9 January 2010 15:00, The Coca-Cola Football League Championship