Derby County go into Saturday’s game at Luton looking to improve on their very poor away record this season. The Rams have not won one of their last 10 away matches, their last victory being the 2-1 win at Stoke way back in November. Having only taken 5 points from those 10 games on their travels, Manager Terry Westley must be looking to improve this and increase Derby’s unbeaten run to 5 matches.
Despite good early season form an an excellent performance we all remember against Liverpool in the FA Cup, Luton Town have only won 2 of their last 6 home games at Kenilworth Road. Their main concern must be the number of goals conceded an amazing 15 in their recent matches at home. Leading them to lie in 12 position in the Coca-Cola Championship.
It feels like Derby have never done particularly well at Luton although our last match there was over 9 years ago. The Rams and Luton usually end up playing out 0-0 draws but the Hatters are the sort of team Derby must be beating if they want to consider the corner well and truly turned.
Vital Quotes:
Luton’s manager, Mike Newell remains hopeful about where Luton can finish this season. ‘We want a top-10 finish, that would be a real achievement in our first season back in the Championship,’ He told the BBC. He feels though that the constraints placed upon him by finances have had an effect on the team ‘We haven’t got the money to just go out and buy players,’ he said. ‘I cannot afford to waste money and must make sure that those we sign are better than what we have got.’
Derby manager Westley is hoping Hatters old boy Michael McIndoe will have the same impact he did on Saturday despite playing the whole 90 minutes for emerging Scotland in the week ‘Knowing Michael, he will be desperate to play against Luton. He will want to show them and us what he can do.? He told the Derby Evening telegraph. McIndoe was given Thursday off training to recover from driving back from Scotland.
Alan Wright, who has been kept on loan from Sheffield united, albeit with a 24 hour recall clause is itching to play on Saturday ? things have gone very well since I joined?(the Derby Players) are a good bunch of lads? he told the official website, ?the mood in the camp is great? we are full of confidence and can’t wait for the kick-off against Luton and are going there to get a result?
Luton Town Team News:
Luton suffered a blow in last week’s defeat at Leicester when influential captain Kevin Nicholls limped of with an injury that was later revealed to be medial ligament damage. He’ll definitely miss Saturday and probably the rest of the season.
Markus Heikennen, Ahmet Brkovic, Dean Morgan and Steve Robinson did not figure last time out against Leicester, but could be in line for a recall
Luton Town from: Beresford, Foley Davis, Coyne, Underwood, Edwards, Nicholls, Bell, Showunmi, Ahmet, Brkovic, Vine, Feeney, Howard, Heikennen, Holmes, Barnett, Peret, Brill.
Player to watch: Steve Howard
the bargin signing of Steve Howard for 50,00 in 2001 has proved to be money very well spent. Scoring last weekend Luton’s and the football leagues player of the year in 2002 still turns it on for the Hatters. Derby must be on their guard
Derby County Team News:
It is expected that Paul Peschisolido will start for The Rams on Saturday as may start up front for Derby County against Luton tomorrow. Kevin Lisbie’s hamstring strain isn’t responding as quickly as Rams boss Terry Westley would like. Apart from this enforced change Derby are expected to play the same team that started against Burnley 7 days ago.
Derby County from: Camp, Edworthy, Moore, Nyatanga, Wright, Smith, Barnes, Idiakez, Bolder, McIndoe, Holmes, Peschisolido, Thirlwell, Bisgaard, Kenna, Poole.
Player to watch: Alan Wright
Player to watch Alan Wright
With an extension to his loan at Derby, Wright will stifle any attacking progress down the right hand side. Solid in defence shall we see anymore of him coming forward too?!
Match Facts & Stats
Derby undefeated in last 4. but not won last 10 away. Luton conceeded 15 goals in last 10 matches. lost only 2 of last 5 at home. had 3 defeats on the bounce.
Ref Watch:
Nigel Miller from Durham is the man in black this saturday, he started reffing 1989 promoted to the Football league in 2003. He is being assisted by Mr S Barrow and R Vaughn. The 4th official is Mr S Creighton. Let’s have a good game gentlemen!
Next Fixtures:
Rams V Crystal Palace Pride Park
Saturday 25th March 2006
K.O. 3PM