The Big Match Preview: Burnley (H)

Five wins in five games... Could we?

After a simply brilliant start to the season, The Rams have romped to four victories on the spin to propel themselves into second place in the league on goal difference at this early stage of the season.

Only one goal has been conceded by Nigel Clough's men in these four games, despite only two central defenders being fit, which is a brilliant effort, but it might well be with biggest test to the Rams' rearguard this season, with The Clarets scoring twelve goals so far.

Admittedly, nine of those have come in games against League Two opposition, but they have an excellent big young striker in Jay Rodriguez who could be a focal point of the Lancashire Club's attack for years to come.

Nigel Clough's right-hand man Johnny Metgod is cautious going into the Burnley clash: 'We have to enjoy the challenge, but Burnley will be very difficult opponents,' the Derby coach told Rams Player.

'Teams will be trying to stop us playing, and winning, because of this run we're on and it is down to us to find a solution to the things that will be thrown at us. It is a lovely challenge.

'It is absolutely marvellous where we are at the moment and I can assure our fans we will be doing all we can to stay there.

'Getting where we are is one thing; to stay there is far, far more difficult.

'Burnley will want to be the ones to see us drop our first points of the season and I am sure it will be a very, very good and entertaining game.'

Burnley assistant manager Jason Tindal says his side are coming to Pride Park for points, despite The Ram's excellent early season form: 'Once things go our way and we get a couple of positive results and hopefully keep a couple of clean sheets then I'm sure results will be a lot different.'

'Confidence is obviously a huge part in anything, certainly in sport, and good results and good performances breed confidence. We're going to go to Derby and try and win the game and perform well because we're more than capable of doing that.

'They've got some leadership within their team, and with a couple of additions it does make them stronger than last year. They've had a terrific start and I'm sure they'll be looking to continue that on Saturday. It'll be our job to put a stop to it. It's a place where we know we can win and we've got to believe that.'

Management and fans alike will are desperate then talismanic stand in- captain Jason Shackell will be fit enough to line up in central defence.

He has struggled with a hamstring injury and did not train early on this week.

Jamie Ward has a similar injury but it looks like he will not feature.

Young Irish duo Mark O'Brien and Jeff Hendrick look to have cemented their places in the side after a great start to the season.

Scottish midfielder Bryson has been in great form since signing from Kilmarnock in the summer.

He runs endlessly, has scored a goal, and is playing in a slightly unfamiliar advanced role but has settled in straight away which is very impressive.

Burnley defender Michael Duff will face a late fitness test to determine whether he will be able to feature at Pride Park.

Midfielder McCann is getting back to his best after an injury nightmare last season.

The 24-year-old Irishman slammed in a spectacular goal at Pride Park last season in a 4-2 defeat for The Rams and has scored 19 games in Burnley colours.

Derby County last 5:

Doncaster Rovers (h) 3-0

Blackpool (a) 1-0

Watford (a) 1-0

Shrewsbury Town (h) 2-3

Birmingham City (h) 2-1

Burnley last 5:

Watford (h) 2-2

Burton Albion (h) 6-3 aet

Crystal Palace (a) 0-2

Cardiff City (h) 1-1

Barnet (h) 3-2 aet

Coventry City vs. Derby County, Sat 10th September, 17:20pm, The Championship

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