This game has been built up in the press as the meeting of the two clubs who clashed in the press over the transfer of a certain Dutch midfielder in the summer months but as nothing actually happened then you won`t find it being endlessly discussed in this preview. Derby County, on the back of a league victory for the first time since last season, visit The Liberty Stadium for the first time ever and the first league meeting since 1986.
Paul Jewell, whilst delighted with the Sheffield United victory, has admitted The Rams are not out of the woods yet and the pressure will be back on him should Derby fail to take anything from the next two games leaving them looking again at the wrong end of the table. Nacer Barazite looks set to get his first start after an impressive second half showing in the win and Paul Green will presumably be moved back to his favoured central midfield position to partner Miles Addison. Despite his return to fitness Nathan Ellington appears set to remain on the bench after Rob Hulse scored his first goal of the season on Saturday.
Swansea City come into the game on the back of a 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at the weekend but have been in fine form at home so far this season with victories against Nottingham Forest, Brentford and an impressive league cup win over Premiership Hull City in the four games at The Liberty Stadium so far. Whilst all the build up in the press has been surrounding Ferrie Bodde both clubs have tried to play the transfer saga down and prefer to concentrate on the game itself.
Vital Quotes:
‘We’re happy not just with him but with the side we’ve put together. It’s early days but we’re thrilled with the win and there’s a lot of confidence.’
Tom Glick talking to Radio Derby about the speculation surrounding Paul Jewells` job.
Swansea City Team News:
No new injuries after the defeat at Selhurst Park at the weekend. Roberto Martinez has a full strength squad to pick from and may give Federico Bessone his first start.
Player to watch: Gorka Pintado
Signed in the summer from Granada the Spaniard has already made an impression at The Liberty Stadium and has bagged a couple of goals in the early weeks of the season, will be looking to add to that against Derby this evening.
Derby County Team News:
No major injury worries, Przemyslaw Kazmierczak may miss out after his illness at the weekend although The Rams looked to have more purpose when Green switched to the middle and Nacer Barazite played wide right. The Dutch youngster may be in line for his first start since joining on loan from Arsenal now the winless streak is over and the pressure has lessened slightly on the players.
Player to watch: Nacer Barazite
Will be the danger man if he gets the start, looked calm on the ball and gave Derby an extra dimension going forward when brought on against Sheffield United. Not as much of an out and out winger as Commons on the other flank but has enough quality to unsettle a defence and set up the winner for Rob Hulse with a driven cross.
Match Facts & Stats
Last 5 results
Derby County
Bristol City (A) 1-1 Green
Southampton (H) 0-1
Preston North End (A) 1-0 Green
Barnsley (A) 0-2
Sheffield United (H) 2-1 Kilgallon (og), Hulse
Sheffield United
Nottingham Forest (H) 3-1 Smith (og), Bodde, Pintado
Plymouth Argyle (A) 1-0 Scotland
Hull City (H) 2-1 (aet) Pintado, Gomez
Sheffield Wednesday (H) 1-1 Bodde
Crystal Palace (A) 0-2
Match Prediction:
With confidence brimming from the victory on Saturday Derby go into this game with a genuine sense of optimism for the first time in a long time. Having said that Swansea City have started well and have yet to taste defeat at The Liberty Stadium this season. This one will be another close fought game with both sides maybe having a point to prove after a war of words in the summer, a 1-1 draw.
Next Fixtures:
20th September v Cardiff City (Coca Cola Championship) Pride Park