The Big Match Preview: Leicester City (H)

On that most traditional of footballing days, a Thursday, The Rams face their East Midlands rivals in front of the Sky Sports cameras.

Derby have failed to hit the back of the net in five out of the last six matches and are in desperate need of goals especially with local bragging rights at stake.

Leicester and Derby have both been inconsistent this season and sit on the same number of points despite the vast difference in the finances of both sides.

As with most games both teams have played this season, it really could go either way.

Rams manager Nigel Clough wants his side to be more clinical when they approach the opposition's penalty area: 'In order to make chances drop our way, we need to do better in both penalty areas.

'We are in every game and we are not that far away; I think that our general play is good enough.

'When we have a nice little move; like we did on Saturday (Vs Southampton), when Paul Green was slipped through down the right-hand side and he crossed it over the back of the goal, John Brayford did exactly the same and Jamie Ward did the same later on.

'It is just time to relax a little bit, concentrate and take that little bit more time and care with our final ball.'

The Rams have received the bad news that John Brayford could miss the rest of the season with torn thigh muscle. Paul Green will play at right-back in his absence.

Craig Bryson could return to the team after missing the hammering at Southampton at the weekend.

With goals at a premium for The Rams, a clean sheet is likely to be vital for Derby to pick up points, even at home.

Fielding has been in good form recently, despite conceding four against Southampton, and will need to be on top form to keep out David Nugent and Jermaine Beckford.

Danny Drinkwater has been out with a foot problem but the former Barnsley loanee could be back for the Pride Park clash.

Influential forward Paul Gallagher is out but Sol Bamba and John Pantsil are back after the Africa Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast and Ghana respectively.

Ex-Preston forward and serial irritant David Nugent has been in terrific form this season with an impressive 13 goals.

The talented striker, who started his career at Bury and had subsequent spells at Portsmouth and Burnley is one of the main figureheads for the immensely annoying practice of shushing and celebrating in front of opposition supporters.

Nevertheless, he is a greatly talented player and has been one of Leicester's best players this season.

Derby County last 5:

Southampton (a) 0-4

Reading (h) 0-1

Millwall (a) 0-0

Barnsley (a) 2-3

Stoke City (h) 0-2



Leicester City last 5:

Norwich City (a) 2-1

Watford (a) 2-3

Cardiff City (h) 2-1

Brighton & Hove Albion (a) 0-1

Middlesbrough (h) 2-2

Birmingham City vs. Derby County, Sat 3rd March, 15:00pm, The Championship

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