The Rams travel to Bristol City safe in the knowledge that they will be playing in The Championship next season. The Robins have just appointed Steve Coppell as their new manager but caretaker boss Keith Millen will be in charge for the Ashton Gate clash. Having finally secured their status in the division, Nigel Clough’s side will be keen to beat their points total from last season. A win would accomplish this, a draw would equal it and a defeat would leave Derby waiting until the final fixture of the season (home to Cardiff City) to have the chance to progress from next season.
Vital Quotes:
Rams winger David Martin is hoping that his performance against his old club Crystal Palace will be enough to keep him in the side, despite the return from suspension from left-sided rival Stephen Pearson: ‘I hope I’ve done enough to stay in the team for the next game,’ said Martin.
‘The manager has got to do what he’s got to do for the club.
‘Obviously, I want to play but it’s the gaffer’s decision and I’ll just be happy to be involved.
‘We don’t want to drop any more points and we will try to end the season with two wins, or at least an unbeaten record to take into August.’
Bristol City interim manager Keith Millen is hoping that his side can put on a good show in front of the home fans: ‘We want to say thank you to the fans for their tremendous backing throughout this season.
‘If we can get the three points then it will take us past last year’s total of 61, and hopefully keep us in the top ten.
‘The players have been performing in the last seven games and I am sure they want to put on a display for the fans this weekend to end the home campaign on a high.’
Bristol City Team News:
Jamal Campbell-Ryce will return to the Bristol City side having been out with a hamstring injury. He caused The Rams many problems in his Barnsley days. Goalkeeper Dean Gerken is also back after a spell on the sidelines with a broken collarbone.
Player to watch: Nicky Maynard
Maynard is the division’s second top scorer with 17 goals this season. He will be looking to add to that total to increase his ever-growing reputation. The former Crewe frontman scored the 2009 Football League goal of the season.
Derby County Team News:
Jay McEveley was in line to make his 100th appearance for The Rams but may have to wait to reach the milestone after suffering a twisted knee. Stephen Bywater is out of the last two games of the season so Saul Deeney will step into his shoes. Kris Commons and Rob Hulse are both hamstrung.
Player to watch: Nicky Hunt
On-loan Bolton full-back Hunt is coming back into form after a rocky spell. His future is unclear, but finances permitting, he will be hoping to sufficiently impress Nigel Clough enough to encourage a permanent move.
Match Facts & Stats
Last 5: Derby County
Crystal Palace (h) 1-1
Barnsley (a) 0-0
Ipswich Town (h) 1-3
Coventry City (a) 1-0
Leicester City (h) 1-0
Last 5: Bristol City
Scunthorpe United (a) 0-3
Swansea City (h) 1-0
Sheffield Wednesday (a) 1-0
Nottingham Forest (h) 1-1
Peterborough United (a) 1-0
Next Fixtures:
Derby County vs. Cardiff City, Sunday 2 May 2010 13:00, The Coca-Cola Football League Championship