The nations media will descend on Pride Park tomorrow for obvious reasons – the debut of Bob Malcolm. Or, as is more likely, it`s Roy Keanes` first game in charge of Sunderland……
Keane embarked on a signing frenzy on deadline day, snapping up the likes of Dwight Yorke, David Connolly, Graham Kavanagh & Liam Miller. The fiery Irishman will be hoping for his team to gel quickly and give him a flying start to his managerial career.
Billy Davies was reasonably active around deadline time, but only on the selling front – Tommy Smith & Inigo Idiakez moving to Watford & Southampton respectively. However, ex Rangers utility man Bob Malcolm signed a 2 year deal this week after his release from the Glasgow giants
Vital Quotes:
Derby County Team News:
Stephen Bywater, Richard Jackson, Darren Moore & Matt Oakley have all resumed training this week – Davies will make decisions today on who will be fit enough to feature, with Bywater a likely starter due to the decision to send Lee Camp on loan to Norwich this week.
Player to watch: Arturo Lupoli
The young Italian striker looks a real talent – will hope to follow on from his 2 goals last time out at Colchester.
Sunderland Team News:
Hard to guess on the Mackems line-up, with so many new faces – however Dwight Yorke will not feature as he is apparently tying up his loose ends in Australia.
Player to watch: Roy Keane
Ok, he’s not a player…..but all eyes will be on ‘Keano’ before, during & after the game.
Match Facts & Stats
Match Prediction:
Very hard to call, although I have a feeling ‘new manager syndrome’ may kick in for the Mackems – however I’ll plump for a 1-1 draw.
Next Fixtures:
Wolves v DERBY COUNTY
Tuesday, 12th September 2006 – 7:45 pm