The Big Match Preview: Derby vs. Brighton

The Rams host high-flying Brighton hoping to build on their recent excellent performances against Forest and Boro.

Guy Poyet's exciting side sits in 3rd place in The Championship table and it already looks like they may be challenging for an automatic place following their good performance last season.

Midfielder Paul Coutts has called on his team-mates to cut out the mistakes that cost them victory in the recent home game against Burnley: 'We dominated against Burnley but maybe it was a concentration thing in the end,' he said.

'I think at home, because we've looked so strong, we really pushed for the win there and left ourselves a bit exposed.

'They hit us on the counter-attack, so credit to them, I suppose.

'We need to concentrate and make sure that doesn't happen again.

'If we're pushing for the win, we need to make sure we're still compact at the back.'

Influential forward Jamie Ward is still out with a hamstring injury and may be joined on the sidelines by Gareth Roberts.

Connor Sammon will return to the starting line-up after being rested at Middlesbrough.

Theo netted his third goal of the season in his first league start on Wednesday night.

He was back to doing what he does best, i.e. constantly harrying and scoring.

Right back Bruno will return to the side after a two-match absence.

Influential duo Vicente and Craig Mackail-Smith miss out through injury.

22 year-old striker Barnes has been a regular scorer for The Seagulls since signing for Brighton from Plymouth Argyle in 2010.

Derby's last five:

Huddersfield Town (a) 0-1

Charlton Athletic (h) 3-2

Burnley (h) 1-2

Nottingham Forest (a) 1-0

Middlesbrough (a) 2-2


Brighton's last five:

Sheffield Wednesday (h) 3-0

Watford (a) 1-0

Millwall (a) 2-1

Birmingham City (h) 0-1

Ipswich Town (a) 1-1

Derby vs. Blackburn, Sat 20th October 2012, 15:00, nPower Championship

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