Preview: Barnsley vs. Derby County

The Rams make the short trip to Yorkshire to face an out of form Barnsley side without a win in six Championship fixtures. Their last win came against Forest in a 2-1 home success but since then, three consecutive losses followed by three draws in a row have seen them hit the buffers. The Tykes sit in 14th place, one above Derby and level on points with The Rams so Nigel Clough's men will be looking to beat a team of a similar standard, something they couldn't manage on Easter Sunday against Ipswich Town.

Rams midfielder Paul Green believes the fans are starting to see what the side can do on the road after poor form this season. The Rams have picked up five points in the last three away games, and Green believes that the Barnsley fixture gives Derby a chance to extend that run: 'We've been strong and organised away from home lately and our last three away results have reflected that.

'We just need to keep that going, and if we can stay solid we know we will always create a chance to nick a goal.

'Our away form hasn't been good enough over the course of the season and it is something we have to improve if we're going to fare better next season.

'It is disappointing because we have great support away from home and it is the away form which has been holding us back.

'Barnsley will be tough but we're all determined to bounce back from the disappointment of Monday's defeat to Ipswich.'

Barnsley striker Iain Hume has suggested that his team need to finish strongly and gain some consistency: 'It is massively important for us to finish strongly,' Hume told the club's official website. 'We have made steps forward this season and there is pressure on us to push on. We have not really shown the consistency our passion and play has deserved sometimes.'

He added: 'To be fair I have a decent record against Derby even though there have been changes at that club in recent times. We want to make it hard for them here and this is a tough place for anyone to come to at the moment.'

Emil Hallfredsson has had his season ended by a fractured metatarsal so will not be playing a part. Barnsley do have other injury worries including ex-Ram Darren Moore who has a hamstring injury, and Bobby Hassell who is suffering from back trouble.

Maltese forward Bogdanovic has hit red hot form this season after settling in Yorkshire. Prior to signing for The Tykes, the 30-year-old had 11 spells at different clubs.

Dean Leacock is out for the season with a knee ligaments injury and will therefore not be involved against The Tykes. Rob Hulse is looking for a starting place and may get into the team after scoring against Ipswich. Stephen Pearson begins a two-match suspension after being sent off on Sunday and Dave Martin may get his first Rams start since signing from Millwall.

The Rams stopper needs a good game to keep out Daniel Bogdanovic and Iain Hume. He has been one of Derby's top performers this season.

Last 5: Derby County

Ipswich Town (h) 1-3

Coventry City (a) 1-0

Leicester City (h) 1-0

QPR (a) 1-1

Sheffield Wednesday (a) 0-0

Last 5: Barnsley

Peterborough United (h) 2-2

Sheffield United (a) 0-0

Plymouth Argyle (a) 0-0

Doncaster Rovers (h) 0-1

Bristol City (a) 3-5

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

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