The Big Match Preview: Blackpool (A)

The Rams will be hoping to build on the encouraging early season league form which has seen them pick up a maximum six points.

Blackpool have matched them but both sides have exited the Carling Cup to lower league opposition but the most important results are the two which sandwiched the humiliating defeats.

Blackpool look reasonable this season despite losing players which scored 40 goals for them last season.

Particularly good acquisitions are Barry Ferguson and veteran striker Kevin Phillips.

Ahead of the Blackpool game, Nigel Clough has spoken of the midfield situation and his desire to bring in new faces: 'Jeff hasn't started a game for us before, but if James doesn't make it on Wednesday, we would have no issue starting Jeff if he is fit, not at all,' Clough told the DET.

'I thought he was very good when he came on at Watford, he played the position well.

'We talk about midfielders, and I know we occasionally move players around but, as far as central midfield players go, we have only got Jeff, Craig Bryson and James Bailey.

'So it is an area we have identified, along with striker, where we are a bit light.'

Blackpool goalkeeper Matt Gilks may be fit for the weeknight clash despite a recent injury.

In the victory over Peterborough, he played through the pain but withdrew from the Scotland squad last week but looks likely to make an appearance.

Burly frontman Taylor-Fletcher had an impressive season in the Premier League with six goals, and has started the new season in the same form, with a superb winning goal on the opening day against Hull City.

He was a reported target for Derby in the summer, maybe i will come to fruition, maybe it won't, but he would be a good signing for this level.

James Bailey looks like he will not be fit for the match as he is suffering from an ankle injury. Young Irishman Jeff Hendrick will step into his place after Nigel Clough declared his faith in the Ireland U21 international.

Jamie Ward will miss out but Steven Davies will play despite picking up a knock against Watford.

Two spectacular goals in the opening two Championship games have earned Davies a reputation for scoring great goals.

If his injury problems are behind him, he will be a quality performer this season.

Of course, it is a big if, but the decision to sign him on for another year looks to be a good one.

Derby County last results:

Watford (a) 1-0

Shrewsbury Town (h) 2-3

Birmingham City (h) 2-1

Blackpool last results:

Peterborough United (h) 2-1

Sheffield Wednesday (a) 0-0 (2-4 on penalties)

Hull City (a) 1-0

Derby County vs. Doncaster Rovers, Sat 20th August, 15:00pm, The Championship

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