Time to End Derby Streak

Whilst we may be despised by clubs up and down the country because of our loyal support, our position within a big city and our history of success, there are few sides that reserve more ire for us than Derby County.

Chelsea and Manchester United may be our bigger, more glamorous and better known rivals, and we may take more pleasure in beating them (if we ever got the chance to play them), but the heady days of the seventies when we battled it out with Clough’s County for the First Division title live long in the memory for many, only rekindled in recent years by The Damned United. This Saturday will see hostilities resumed but there are more than bragging rights up for grabs this time.

Sitting Pretty
As we go into the game Derby are three points clear of Bournemouth at the top of the table, sitting pretty and smiling smugly down on those beneath them. Having lost just three times this season Steve McClaren’s side have enjoyed an outstanding campaign so far and look certain to secure automatic promotion unless teams like us, who have so far failed to deliver on their potential, stand up to them and make their lives difficult. The Rams are currently big favourites to turn us over on Saturday; get football news and tips at bluesq.com.

Unbeaten Run
Ahead of Saturday’s game Derby remain unbeaten in 12 against Leeds - the last time the Whites defeated County was back on 28th September 2005 when Rob Hulse scored a hat-trick in a 3-1 win. Against any team a run of 12 games without a win would be hard to take but against one of our oldest rivals it is unacceptable and must come to an end on Saturday.

Back on Track
Of course Saturday is not just about ruining Derby’s party, it is also about putting our own season back on track. With just one win in the last ten (against dismal Blackpool), we are running out of chances to avoid getting sucked into the battle at the bottom of the table. A win on Saturday would restore our confidence and would see us beginning to look up the table rather than over our shoulders. There is plenty of time left to turn our season round; a win over Derby would be the ideal place to start.