Preview: Derby County vs. Sheffield United

The Rams return from the international break keen to erase the memories of the late lapse against QPR which cost them two points they could have done with. The opposition is Sheffield United, who have recently been under the stewardship of Gary Speed, who succeded Kevin Blackwell as manager early in the season. Before the break for Euro 2012 qualifiers, The Blades notched their first win of the season with a 1-0 success over Preston North End, and they will want to carry on form where they left off.

James Bailey think that the fans will once again be an important factor in the game: 'Sheffield United will be up for it on Saturday off the back of their first win of the season and a new manager taking over, but we will be too.
'We want to make home advantage count, our fans are fantastic and they support us right the way through.'
Gary Speed sees the international break as both a blessing and a curse, as it broke up the team after they had got their first win: 'It´s given us a bit of time to work with those who stayed behind. We´ve tried to make the best possible use of the gap between fixtures.
'There´s not been a problem. Everyone who has been away has come back okay which is good news.'

Chris Porter may not be available for the game with his hip injury, which means more striking problems for Nigel Clough after the departure of Rob Hulse to QPR. Dean Moxey may continue up front or Alberto Bueno could come in for his first appearance after signing from Real Valladolid on loan.

Midfielder Bailey is starting to come into his own after notching his first professional goal. His passing improves with every game.

Chris Morgan should be ok to play after a groin injury, and Gary Speed has no more injury worries. He may replace Kyle Bartley with Morgan.

Veteran ex-Barnsley man Morgan has been a rock for Sheffield for years and is now a fans favourite. He will probably come into the team.

Last Matches:

Derby County:

Leeds United (a) 2-1

Crewe Alexandra (a) 0-1

Cardiff City (h) 1-2

Coventry City (a) 1-2

Queens Park Rangers (h) 2-2

Sheffield United

Cardiff City (a) 1-1

Hartlepool (a) 0-2

Queens Park Rangers (h) 0-3

Middlesbrough (a) 0-1

Preston North End (h) 1-0

Hull City vs. Derby County, Tue 14th September, 19:70pm, The Championship

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