Match Preview

Swansea City (H)

|
Image for Swansea City (H)

After a disappointing defeat against Doncaster last time out Derby entertain Swansea City looking to get their recent revival back on track. Robbie Savage`s first goal as a Derby player gave them the lead but they allowed the home side back into the game and two poor goals saw them leave Yorkshire empty handed. With a number of sides in the bottom half winning the gap between to the bottom places in the table has closed and they will want to get a result from this one to stop themselves looking over their shoulder again.

Nigel Clough was disappointed with the two goals conceded on Friday as they were scrappy from a defensive point of view. The balance of the side looked a little off with the loss of Commons and the players will be desperate to show they are not overly reliant on the former Forest winger. Miles Addison looks to be out long term but there has been no final diagnoses and Lewin Nyatanga looks set to continue alongside Martin Albrechtsen. Chris Porter got his first start at the Keepmoat and, despite looking a little off the pace, showed some promising touches and will be looking to get his first goal in a Rams shirt as soon as possible.

Swansea City are eighth in the Championship, one point outside the play-off positions, and they are on a run of only one defeat in sixteen in the league since their 3-2 defeat against Birmingham City on 21st November. They won impressively 2-0 away to Portsmouth in the FA Cup before taking Fulham to a replay and took the lead only to eventually go down 2-1 although they pushed their opponents all the way. Roberto Martinez`s side have played some impressive football and they took the loss of Ferrie Bodde in their stride when many thought they would struggle after the loss of the influential midfielder who has been linked with Premiership clubs. Indeed, if a run of seven consecutive draws around Christmas could have been turned into a couple more wins they would be firmly established in the play-off places.

Vital Quotes:

‘It’s disappointing to go 1-0 up with 45 minutes to go and not get a minimum of a point but we conceded two poor goals from our point of view.

‘You get the lead and think, ‘hang onto it for five or 10 and frustrate them’ but we weren’t able to do that due to defensive errors.’

Nigel Clough talking to Radio Derby about the Doncaster defeat.

Derby County Team News:

Kris Commons is still feeling the calf injury that kept him out against Doncaster although Nacer Barazite may return from his shoulder injury. Miles Addison’s diagnoses should come in the next couple of days and Paul Green should be fit again.

Player to watch: Gary Teale

Will be looking to recapture his form after returning to the side from a hamstring injury. Looked to be a threat from wide on the left and his crosses lead to number of goals before going off against Blackpool.

Swansea City Team News:

Darren Pratley is expected to be named in the squad after recent injury problems as is Joe Allen who has made a swift recovery.

Player to watch: Jason Scotland

Powerful forward who has been in fine form of late and has nineteen goals to his name this season. Has made the step up to Championship level and has lead the line well all season for the Swans.

Match Facts & Stats

Last five results

Derby County
Plymouth Argyle (A) 3-0 Teale, Hulse (2)
Manchester United (A) 1-4 Addison
Blackpool (H) 4-1 Commons (2), Green, Barazite
Nottingham Forest (A) 3-1 Nyatanga, Hulse, Davies
Doncaster Rovers (A) 1-2 Savage

Swansea City
Ipswich Town (H) 3-1 Scotland (2), Gomez
Fulham (H) 1-1 Scotland
Watford (A) 0-2
Doncaster Rovers (H) 3-1 Scotland, Gomez (2)
Charlton Athletic (H) 1-1 Dyer

Match Prediction:

Nigel Clough`s side will be looking to bounce back from the Doncaster defeat but will face a stern test against a Swansea side on the fringes of the play-offs. Jason Scotland has been scoring for fun of late and will be a handful for the Derby defence, this will finish all square at 2-2.

Next Fixtures:

7th v Bristol City (Coca Cola Championship) Pride Park

Share this article