First team

Leeds v Derby preview

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Following our victory in midweek against Bournemouth Leeds travel to Pride Park on Saturday to face Derby County and new manager Steve McClaren.

The opposition.

Derby haven’t had the best starts to the season, which has culminated in a managerial change after Nigel Clough’s dismissal following their defeat to rivals Nottingham Forest on Saturday. Steve McClaren takes over at Pride Park and takes over the team for his first proper game on Saturday. Judging Derby’s team will be difficult as it always is when a new manager comes into a club. But I would expect McClaren to play a similar team to the one that drew with Ipswich as his options are also limited at the current time. Derby lined up with Lee Grant in goal, former Leeds loanee Adam Smith, Jake Buxton, Zak Whitbread and Craig Forsyth at the back. A midfield of Ben Davies, Craig Bryson, Jamie Ward and hugely talented Will Hughes. With Connor Sammon and Chris Martin leading the attack. Leeds will be well aware of the prospect of Will Hughes after he dominated the game in this fixture last season. For fans traveling to the game then the Harvester pub is a good venue for away fans.

Last season.

Last season was a typical Warnock away performance I suppose with us leaving Pride Park with a 3-1 defeat in tow. Paul Green scored United’s goal to level the game after Connor Sammon’s opener but a poor performance in the second half saw Leeds conced goals to Buxton and late Davies goal sealed the win for the Rams.

Our possible team.

I can’t particularly see McDermott making whole sale changes from our win against Bournemouth but I can possibly see Dom Poleon coming back into the team in place of the misfiring Noel Hunt. I think we will see Ross McCormack continue up front and we will probably and hopefully see Alex Mowatt keep his place at the tip of the diamond. I would also expect the back 4 to remain the same. For me though, I would definitely be starting Sam Byram on the right hand side of midfield to attack Derby. I think it’s pretty important that we pick up a result tomorrow and head into the international break on a high.

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Likely team

Kenny
Peltier Pearce Lees Warnock
Austin
Tonge Green
Mowatt
McCormack Poleon

Head to head.

We don’t have a great record against Derby over recent years and you have to go back to September 28th 2005 the last time we beat Derby with a 3-1 victory at Elland Road. In the last 9 previous meetings Derby have won every game so as it stands I think a point would suit us!

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The last meeting since we last beat Derby!

2012/2013
Mon 01 Apr
Leeds Utd.
1 – 2
Derby County
Championship

Sat 08 Dec
Derby County
3 – 1
Leeds Utd.
Championship
2011/2012
Mon 09 Apr
Leeds Utd.
0 – 2
Derby County
Championship

Mon 26 Dec
Derby County
1 – 0
Leeds Utd.
Championship
2010/2011
Tue 12 Apr
Derby County
2 – 1
Leeds Utd.
Championship

Sat 07 Aug
Leeds Utd.
1 – 2
Derby County
Championship
2008/2009
Tue 11 Nov
Derby County
2 – 1
Leeds Utd.
League Cup
2006/2007
Sun 06 May
Derby County
2 – 0
Leeds Utd.
Championship

Sat 09 Dec
Leeds Utd.
0 – 1
Derby County
Championship
2005/2006
Sat 11 Feb
Derby County
0 – 0
Leeds Utd.
Championship

Wed 28 Sep
Leeds Utd.
3 – 1
Derby County
Championship
Predictions.

I’m gonna go with a 1-1 draw and us to take the lead through Rudy Austin. Would love us to pick up 3 points but I think it’s gonna be difficult especially with Derby wanting to impress their new manager and with our recent record there. I would love to hear your thoughts on the game and your predictions. Thanks for viewing. Stuart.

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