After a disagreement over match ticket prices that has now been resolved, Derby County can concentrate on a tough looking away game against one of the pre-season favourites for promotion. With Kris Commons still looking likely to miss out The Rams will be looking for the cutting edge and creativity that appeared to be missing in the draw with Cardiff City at Pride Park. Paul Jewell has made noise during the week concerning the recruitment of further players to add to his squad but also stating that some players will be allowed to leave with Robbie Savage seemingly available for loan and Gary Teale turning down a switch to Brighton.
Queens Park Rangers have come into this game on the back of Carling Cup victory away to Aston Villa and have been in goals coring form at Loftus Road so far this season. Early tips for promotion and with the monetary backing to match many in The Premiership Rangers certainly appear to be looking to the top end of the table going into this match and will want to pick up another three points to boost their promotion push.
There are links between the two clubs with Queens Park Rangers top scorer, Deter Blackstock, having been a Derby player for a short period when on loan to The Rams where he formed a solid looking pairing with Marcus Tudgay. Lee Camp is also on the Loftus Road outfits books although he is current back-up to Radek Cerny in goal for Rangers and Adam Bolder also makes up the numbers in their squad.
Vital Quotes:
‘We’re looking to strengthen the squad but if you bring in players into a big squad it can create a log-jam.
‘I’m not under financial pressure to get anyone out but I’d like to let one or two to go.’
Paul Jewell talking to Radio Derby about his desire to bring in more players to Pride Park
Queens Park Rangers Team News:
Dexter Blackstock looks set to return after missing out in the Carling Cup in midweek. Matt Connolly set to continue at right-back.
Player to watch: Dexter Blackstock
Former Rams loanee who has been in fine form so far this season scoring four goals in the league and five in total so far this season, the Derby backline will have their hands full keeping him quiet.
Derby County Team News:
Could stick with the team who drew with Cardiff City last Saturday. Kris Commons still doubtful with a hamstring problem and The Rams not wanting to take a chance on the injury recurring if not fully fit.
Player to watch: Nacer Barazite
Looks to be The Rams’ danger man with Commons currently on the sidelines. Has a neat touch and can create when he has the ball at his feet, Derby will need to make sure they get him in the game enought to make an impact.
Match Facts & Stats
Last 5 results
Derby County
Preston North End (A) 1-0 Green
Barnsley (A) 0-2
Sheffield United (H) 2-1 Kilgallon (og), Hulse
Swansea City (A) 1-1 Pearson
Cardiff City (H) 1-1 Albrechtsen
QPR
Bristol City (A) 1-1 Blackstock
Southampton (H) 4-1 Blackstock (2), Stewart, Agyemang
Norwich City (A) 1-0 Rowlands
Coventry City (A) 0-1
Aston Villa (A) 1-0 Stewart
Match Prediction:
A tough looking trip to the capital for Derby, a row over the ticket prices almost meant no away support but having been resolved there will now be supporters from both sides at the match. With an unbeaten run forming this one will end all square 1-1.
Next Fixtures:
30th Sept v Birmingham City (Coca Cola Championship) Pride Park