Preview: Derby County vs. Ipswich Town

The Rams make the trip east to face The Tractor Boys, an Ipswich Town side who have proved to be troublesome opponents in recent times. After a dreadful start to the season where it looked like they would be in deep relegation trouble, Roy Keane's side have picked up slightly and appear to have enough points to stay up. They will be no pushovers, but Nigel Clough's Rams should fear no side at Pride Park, the location of many great results this campaign.

Rams boss Nigel Clough is desperate to mathematically secure Championship status over the Easter schedule: 'Every effort we have will be going into Monday's game against Ipswich to get the win which we hope will wrap up Championship survival.

'We hope we can do it for the fans, and with another big crowd behind us on Monday we really want to get the job done.

'From there, we want to kick on in the remaining games and not rest on our laurels. We want to go into the summer giving everyone a degree of optimism.'

Ipswich manager Roy Keane respects what Derby have achieved at Pride Park this season 'Derby`s home record isn`t far behind the likes of Newcastle and Forest.'

Dean Leacock had to be replaced by Nicky Hunt at half time against Coventry and may miss out on Easter Monday. Michael Tonge is suffering from a tight calf and may not feature. Meanwhile, long-term absentees Kris Commons and Miles Addison remail on the sidelines.

Barker has been imperious since returning to the side after Christmas. He is a new fans favourite and next season's captain (when Robbie Savage is not in the side) will be looking to carry on his brilliant form until the end of the season.

Shane O`Connor, Owen Garvan, Liam Rosenior, Carlos Edwards, Pablo Counago and Connor Wickham are all looking for a starting berth and Roy Keane may choose to tinker with his side, although he has no new injury worries.

17 year old striker Wickham recently scored his first goal for The Tractor boys and is clearly a hot prospect for the future. He recently signed a new deal with the side after impressing Roy Keane with his performances.

Last 5: Derby County

Coventry City (a) 1-0

Leicester City (h) 1-0

QPR (a) 1-1

Sheffield Wednesday (a) 0-0

Middlesbrough 2-2

Last 5: Ipswich Town

Reading (h) 2-1

Swansea City (a) 0-0

Plymouth Argyle (h) 0-2

Barnsley (h) 1-0

Watford (a) 1-2

Barnsley vs. Derby County, Saturday 10 April 2010 15:00, The Coca-Cola Football League Championship

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