The Big Match Preview: Coventry City (H)

The Rams are back in action after the international break with a televised match at Coventry City.

It is a chance to chalk up nine points from three away games after successes on the road against Watford and Blackpool.

Struggling Coventry certainly present a reasonable chance to continue the good start to the season, but away games are usually tight affairs involving the Rams.

Another 1-0 away win would do just nicely for Nigel Clough's men, although it will probably prove a tricky tie with Derby having experienced defeat for the first time this season.

It will be interesting to see how they bounce back...

Rams boss Nigel Clough is keen to avoid back-to-back defeats for the first time this season: 'In the Championship it is important not to lose two on the spin, so that's the priority going into tomorrow's game.

'We know how easy it is to quickly find yourself on the back of three, or even four defeats, in this league.

'We need to go to Coventry and do what we did in the first four games, which was give nothing away.

'We know the test this season will be how we react to a defeat.

'Do we lose two or three on the spin, or do we stop the rot straight away? We will soon find out.'

Coventry City boss Andy Thorn believes his side are not far away from their first points of the season, despite a slow start: 'I think if we get three points on Saturday we will be up and running.

'I have been watching the young kids and they are really coming on and training has gone up a level. Everyone is flying so I think we are capable of getting three points anywhere.

'If we get three points on Saturday I think we will go on a little run then and then maintain it with wins and draws because they have got that in them now, which they never had before.

'I think we are just getting ready to have a proper go now.

'In the past we have been flying out of the blocks at the start of the season but hopefully it will be different this time and we will build it up gradually.'

Striker Cody McDonald could make his first appearance for The Sky Blues after his deadline-day move from Premier League side Norwich City.

He had an excellent loan spell with Gillingham last season and could prove a threat with his pace.

Danger-man Gary McSheffrey will face a late fitness test as he continues to struggle against niggling injuries.

Former Birmingham City winger McSheffrey has the quality to unlock any Championship defence.

Although not as impressive last season as the ones before that, he can be the difference between a good and poor Sky Blues side.

Kevin Kilbane has a back problem which is likely to see his replaced by Gareth Roberts at left-back.

The game is expected to come too soon for Nathan Tyson, who may make the squad for the Nottingham Forest game in a week's time.

Frank Fielding is back with The Rams after being in the England squad for the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Wales.

After an explosive start to the season which saw striker Davies net two spectacular goals in the same number of games, he struggled against Burnley.

He is important to the team and, as he is likely to be the lone forward against Coventry, he will need to be firing on all cylinders to help his side pick up any points.

Derby County last 5:

Burnley (h) 1-2

Doncaster Rovers (h) 3-0

Blackpool (a) 1-0

Watford (a) 1-0

Shrewsbury Town (h) 2-3

Coventry City last 5:

Middlesbrough (a) 1-1

Watford (h) 0-0

Crystal Palace (a) 1-2

Birmingham City (a) 0-1

Bury (a) 1-3

Nottingham Forest vs. Derby County, Sat 17th September, 13:00pm, The Championship

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