Rams v Spurs - Preview

Rams v Spurs - Preview

For the first time this season the Rams go into a Premier League game undefeated in their last two outings. Last weeks 1-1 draw at St Andrews gave Paul Jewell`s side back-to - back draws and they head into the game full of confidence.

Rams boss Jewell is looking forward to the clash against 11th placed Spurs and hopes his side can keep their form going. He said: "'We have got to try and make it a battle, get among them as all the lesser teams say, and make it uncomfortable for them.

'If we can do that we will have a chance but if we sit off them we won't.

'We'd like to give the supporters a win because they are desperate for one. But it's going to be a tough game

In team news Darren Moore and Andy Todd are both in doubt with hamstring injuries, and loan star midfielder Hossam Ghaly is ineligible to play against his parent club.

Jewell has added new Australian signing Mile Sterjovski, Stephen Pearson and David Jones to the squad for the clash.

Spurs have improved under new coach Ramos and they will be wanting nothing more than three points in their visit to Pride Park.

Assistant Coach Gus Poyet said "They are definitely better than they were a month ago.

'We have to maintain our level, maintain or quality and desire and if we do that, I'm sure we can have a good Saturday afternoon.

'If we do that, it will also prove that we are ready to compete everywhere against everyone.'

'We have to make sure we do our jobs and go there, play our football, try to control the game and if we do that, we will have a great chance of winning.'

In team news Spurs centre-back Jonathan Woodgate is suspended and Didier Zokora is still on Africa Cup of Nations duty.

Darren Bent who has been out injured is close to full fitness and could be available.

The Rams have won the last two home games against Spurs in 2001 Branko Strupar scored twice to give the Rams a 2-1 victory and in 2002 Lee Morris scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory. They hope tomorrow they will make it three on the trot and move closer to the pack.

Squads

Derby (from): Carroll, Leacock, Moore, Todd, Stubbs, Edworthy, Teale, Savage, Fagan, Pearson, Jones, Miller, Earnshaw, Villa, Robert, Price, Barnes, Sterjovski.

Tottenham (from): Cerny, Robinson, Hutton, Chimbonda, Lee, Gilberto, Kaboul, King, Dawson, Rocha, Gunter, Tainio, Jenas, Malbranque, Boateng, Taarabt, Huddlestone, O'Hara, Lennon, Berbatov, Keane, Bent.

Referee - Martin Atkinson (Yorkshire)