Preview: Burton Albion vs. Derby County

After a summer of fitness training and stamina building Derby County are back in action on the football pitch with a friendly game against Nigel Clough's old team Burton Albion.
Nigel Clough has indicated just what he wants to see in the game against his old team: 'Four games in seven days kick us off, and we're really looking forward to it,' Clough told the official site.
'The first two games will be about fitness rather than tactics and formations.

The match will see various reunions in addition to the one between Clough and Burton with Burton boss Paul Peschisolido being a former Rams favourite. Darren Moore, the uncompromising centre-back who was a key part of the promotion winning side of 2007 will also be facing his former side after joining The Brewers from Barnsley on a free transfer. Other ex-Rams possibly lining up alongside Moore are defenders Paul Boertien and Richard Jackson. John Brayford, Derby's number 2 for the season, will be lining up against Burton after leaving them a couple of seasons ago for Crewe Alexandra, who The Rams in turn purchased him, along with James Bailey, for a fee in the range of £1 million.

Brayford told the official club website: 'It will be nice to go back to Burton; I have some fond memories of my time there and it will be nice to visit the Pirelli again.
'I played there last year with Crewe and it was a really great occasion, so it will be nice to go back again this weekend.'

Regarding team news, Stephen Pearson, Jake Buxton, Miles Addison, Steven Davies, Shaun Barker and Chris Porter will all sit out the friendly. Davies is likely to sit out the remainder of 2010 whilst Addison is not expected to feature at all this season and Pearson is in a race to be fit for the start of the season. However, there is no reason why Buxton, Barker and Porter shouldn't be ready for the big kick-off against old enemies Leeds United at Elland Road.

Kick off: Sat 17 July, 3pm, Pirelli Stadium

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