Match Preview

Sheffield Wednesday (H)

|
Image for Sheffield Wednesday (H)

Derby County return to league action after their midweek Carling Cup victory against another Yorkshire side as they take on Sheffield Wednesday at Pride Park. Undefeated at home since late August they will be looking to get back to winning ways and push themselves back into contention for a top six berth after losing at Reading last time out. They currently sit thirteenth in the table, one place behind Wednesday, and four points off the play-off positions.

Paul Jewell still has concerns about his defence due to injuries and has unsuccessfully attempted to bring in cover, on loan, from the Premiership. His side have looked a little jaded in recent matches with the run of eight games in twenty four days starting to take it’s toll on his small squad. Lewin Nyatanga has shown good form in his extended run in the side and looks set to be partnered again by Claude Davis. Nacer Barazite could return to the side in place of Gary Teale and Miles Addison will return after his one game ban.

Sheffield Wednesday come to Pride Park with two former Rams in their ranks in the form of goalkeeper Lee Grant and striker Marcus Tudgay, both have made returns previously and indeed Tudagy has found success netting against his former team. Manager Brian Laws has certainly turned things around at Hillsborough with his team struggling at the foot of the Championship but they have now established themselves in the league and were top for a short while after a 4-1 win on the opening day. Inconsistency has been the word since then with some impressive displays coupled with heavy defeats to Reading, Plymouth and Wolves and only away win all season.

Vital Quotes:

‘It’s the first season for most of these lads together and whatever people can say about us – we’re not easy to beat.’

Paul Jewell talking to Radio Derby about his sides growth

Derby County Team News:

Martin Albrechtsen and Dean Leacock missing again so Claude Davis set to continue, Miles Addison back from his one match ban.

Player to watch: Kris Commons

Quiet few games for the winger and he’ll be looking to regain some form, came close against Reading and set up the winner against Leeds but will want to get back on the goal trail after only scoring once so far this season.

Sheffield Wednesday Team News:

Brian Laws has a squad free of injuries to select from and will be looking for his side to pick up some form after only one win in five.

Player to watch: Etienne Esajas

Dutch winger who, on his day, looks to have the quality to step up to a higher level. Suffered from inconsistency and injury in his first year but has had a run in the side this season and some good early form, coupled with some spectacular goals, helped Wednesday to a good start.

Match Facts & Stats

Last five results

Derby County

Norwich City (H) 3-1 Green, Hulse, Kazmierczak
Nottingham Forest (H) 1-1 Villa
Brighton & Hove Albion (A) 4-1 Villa (3), Ellington
Reading (A) 0-3
Leeds United (H) 2-1 Villa, Ellington

Sheffield Wednesday

Barnsley (A) 1-2 Clarke
Birmingham City (A) 1-3 Esajas
Plymouth Argyle (H) 0-1
Crystal Palace (A) 1-1 Clarke
Doncaster Rovers (H) 1-0 Clarke

Match Prediction:

Brian Laws has his side playing some good stuff and they have picked up impressive results but they have been inconsistent of late. Derby managed to win on Tuesday without ever looking like putting in a good performance and they’ll take this 2-0 against a team who struggle on the road.

Next Fixtures:

22nd Nov v Ipswich Town (Coca Cola Championship) Portman Road

Share this article