After the alledged match fixing scandal last time out both teams will be looking for a lower key match this time. Having lost to Blackpool The Rams’ got back on track with a draw at Coventry although they would have been disappointed not to pick up all three points having conceded the equaliser in the last minute of the match at the Ricoh Arena.
Paul Green looks set to return after a kneck injury kept him out of the Coventry clash although Dean Leacock is rated doubtful. Rob Hulse will be looking to add to his recent goal tally and Paul Jewell will be hoping his partnership with Nathan Ellington will continue to develop.
Leroy Lita has been on fire since he won the penalty that pulled Norwich level at Carrow Road and picked up a hat-trick against high flying Wolves followed by the winner against Doncaster Rovers at the weekend. With a full defence to choose from the Norwich backline will have a stronger look than last time out and with John Kennedy available for selection they will be nearly back to full strength in the centre of defence.
A good result in this clash will set Derby up for the big one on Sunday against bottom of the table Nottingham Forest.
Vital Quotes:
Derby had a poor start to the season but Paul Jewell has turned it round and he’s turned it round very well.
Glen Roeder talking to bbc.co.uk about the turnaround in The Rams fortunes.
Derby County Team News:
Dean Leacock may miss out with a calf problem but Kris Commons came through Saturday unscathed and will be looking to continue his run in the side and Paul Green looks set to return after missing out with a kneck injury.
Player to watch: Rob Hulse
Netted last time these teams met and has been finding his form again in recent matches, look for him to add to his goal tally in this one.
Norwich City Team News:
Jon Otsemobor still missing and Mark Fotheringham (hamstring) doubtful.
John Kennedy may return to the starting line-up after recovering from injury and will look for a start alongside Dejan Stefanovic or Gary Doherty.
Player to watch: Leroy Lita
Starting to regain some of his from that saw him rack up goals in The Premiership for Reading two seasons ago, won the penalty at Carrow Road that leveled the match and has been in goalscoring form since that day.
Match Facts & Stats
Last 5 games
Derby County
Birmingham City (H) 1-1 Davis
Norwich City (A) 2-1 Hulse, Ellington
Plymouth Argyle (H) 2-1 Hulse, Duguid (og)
Blackpool (A) 2-3 Commons, Sterjovski
Coventry City (A) 1-1 Hulse
Norwich City
Southampton (A) 0-2
Derby County (H) 1-2 Clingan
Bristol City (A) 0-1
Wolverhampton Wanderers (H) 5-2 Ikeme (og), Lita (3), Croft
Doncaster Rovers (H) 2-1 Sibierski, Lita
Match Prediction:
Leaving aside all the jokes about knowing the score Derby will get back to winning ways after having beaten Norwich City with ten men at Carrow Road, 3-1 to The Rams.
Next Fixtures:
2nd Nov v Nottingham Forest (Coca-Cola Championship) Pride Park