The Rams make the reasonably short trip to Peterborough to take on Posh, boosted by their first win in six games, albeit on penalties against lower league opposition.
Derby played excellent football on the opening day against Mark Cooper’s side and Nigel Cough will be hoping to continue the recent undefeated run on the road, which stretches back to mid-November.
Peterborough sit at the bottom of the table, but have made recent signings, so this game will not be a pushover, especially as Posh have had an upturn in fortunes in recent weeks.
Vital Quotes:
Posh boss mark Cooper sees Derby as the ideal opposition to get only his side’s second win in eleven games: ‘Derby have been struggling a bit themselves in the league and we will look to take advantage. Hopefully Derby will be a bit tired though after being taken to extra-time in the FA Cup during the week and we can look to get after them from the word ‘go’. But Nigel Clough is a true professional and I am sure he will have them ready.’
Nigel Clough has hailed new signing Russel Anderson as the sort of person he wants to bring to the club: ‘Russell is an excellent defender who brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge. He is the type of character we are looking to add to the squad; he wants to play football and is prepared to work hard. He played in the Championship last season for Burnley, so he knows what it takes to compete in this division.
Peterborough United Team News:
Two ex-Derby players have signed for Peterborough this week, and both are pushing for a place in Mark Cooper’s side for the weekend. Izale Mcleod and Jake Livermore are the men in question. Mcleod was a striker at The Rams several years ago whilst Livermore was on loan at Pride park from Tottenham earlier in the season. Fellow loan signing Rueben Reid is expected to compete for a first team spot.
Player to watch: Rueben Reid
A pacy striker brought in from West Brom on loan, Reid scored 18 goals in 41 games for Rotherham before moving to Albion in the summer. He shouldn’t be underestimated just because he can’t get into the West Brom side, he possesses a real goal threat.
Derby County Team News:
Miles Addison is likely to miss out having suffered a recurrence of a foot injury during the home success against Millwall in the FA Cup replay. Russel Anderson, a new signing from Sunderland, could deputise for Addison in central defence. Lee Hendrie is still not ready for a return but Nicky hunt and DJ Campbell could be involved having been ineligible to face Millwall.
Player to watch: Steve Davies
Having scored an excellent goal and stuck away his penalty in the shoot-out against Millwall, Davies will be high on confidence having had a small run in the side following his injury problems.
Match Facts & Stats
Last 5: Derby County
Millwall (h) 1-1 (Derby win 5-3 on penalties)
Scunthorpe United (h) 1-4
Millwall (a) 1-1
Newcastle United (a) 0-0
Blackpool (h) 0-2
Last 5: Peterborough United
Tottenham Hotspur (a) 0-4
Cardiff City (h) 4-4
West Bromwich Albion (a) 0-2
Watford (h) 2-1
Coventry City (a) 2-3
Next Fixtures:
Derby County vs. Brentford/Doncaster, Saturday 23 January 2010 15:00, The FA Cup