Derby County vs Liverpool

26/12- Liverpool would be celebrating Christmas in a different way this time as they would be knowing what Santa has gift wrapped for them, a nice point scoring away tie against Derby County. Liverpool placed 5th on the points table this season were jolted by the defeat against Manchester United at home a couple of weeks ago. They seem to be adrift of the premiership leading pack but last week they showed what they were capable of by thrashing Portsmouth 4-1 at home and now would be more than eager to take on Derby just a day past Christmas. Derby on the other hand has been the weakest team of the season, their Sunday draw against Newcastle was a spirited performance but not much can be said about a team that has lost 8 of its last 10 games and the other two being draws and that leaves no doubt on the reason they are last on the premiership table.

Liverpool on the other hand have won 7 of the past 10 games while losing out only two occasions. Torres and Gerrard seem to be in great form and even in the absence of some key players the side portrays the image of a good settled team, they have played a match less than the other front runners and hence would be looking to wait and watch and jump up the positions at the right time. They have been the second best team in the premiership in terms of away points even though they have played lesser games but in terms of performances gave been the best.

Derby have had a miserable season and the trend would probably continue because Liverpool would be looking at a win with a big margin and hence Derby would have a lot of thinking to do this Christmas.

Prediction: 0-3, Liverpool win

Derby vs Middlesbrough

15/12- An inspirational leader and a potential team have made their presence felt. Not long ago Middlesbrough were accompanying Derby in the relegation zone and with things looking gloomier than ever before when they had to face league leaders Arsenal at a time when the Gunners had not lost a single match in the current premiership season and the side under Garreth Southgate showed what they were capable of by defeating the leaders 2-1 which proved that Southgate had finally struck the right chords with his team and they are here to stay.

 

After such an inspiring win and a jump to the 16^th spot Middlesbrough would be looking at strengthening their position outside the relegation zone, an away victory and full points could possibly mean a skip to the 13^th spot and things would look much more brighter. With a skipper in sublime form in the form of Boateng, Middlesbrough have plenty to look forwards to and to add to the list striker Downing also seems to be in great form after the amazing show against Arsenal. Though the team has been able to manage just one victory away from home this season their second does not look far away at least after the performance they put up in their previous match.

 

On the other hand Derby are probably staring in the eyes of relegation already, a win against an improving Middlebrough side looks highly unlikely and a single victory in 16 matches this season already speaks about the kind of time they are having. It is a highly depleted side and Derby boss Paul Jewell would need to put some magic in his side. The side in a way looks out of the competition already and if something can bring them back and keep their hopes alive in the top league, it can be magical brilliance only.

 

Prediction: 0-3, Middlesbrough win

Manchester United vs Derby

8/12- The best looking and the most well balanced premiership team takes on probably the most imbalanced and out of form team and the giants of Man U take on the minnows from Derby. Derby are already looking at the first division next season if they see the current form the club is in, they have just managed 1 point from a total of eight away encounters and even worse is the fact that they have not scored a single goal away from home, in fact they have hardly scored goals this season, just 5 goals in 15 matches is a terrible statistic for the side.

 

While Man U have not lost a single encounter playing at home this season, they have been in great form at Old Trafford. With the likes of Rooney and Ronaldo they seem to strike the net at will but the most striking feature this season has been their impeccable defense, they have just given away 7 goals in 15 encounters which is the lowest number of goals given this season. Man U, currently in second spot would be looking to close down the gap with league leaders Arsenal to just a point after this match and would be hoping that Arsenal cannot get the full points of their away encounter at Middlesbrough.

 

While the Man U camp will be counting the number of players who will convert the goals for them, Derby’s new boss Paul Jones would be trying to find someone who can probably get the first away goal for his club this season. McEveley might just be the one person who might put his hand up this time to come to his rescue while Oakley could be that person as he is the highest scorer for the club with 2 goals this season.

 

Prediction: Man U win 3-0

Derby V West Ham

Derby Vs West Ham

Kick off: Saturday 10^th November 3PM (BST)

Location: Pride Park

Derby go into Saturday’s game at the foot of the table. Everyone is writing off Derby’s hopes of staying up this year; however they’re speaking too soon. A win this weekend at Pride Park for The Rams could lift them into 17th place and out of the relegation zone.

Kenny Miller could return for Derby after his spell out on the sidelines, which will be a big boost for struggling Derby, who have only picked up 6 points out of the available 36 thus far. Derby shall be looking to replicate their 1-0 win over Newcastle in September this weekend, in which Kenny Miller got the winning goal in the late Monday game.

Derbys opponents however, West Ham, won’t make it easy for The Rams. West Ham find themselves in mid table and after last games disappointment, they’ll be looking to record three points against struggling Derby. With all the talent in the West Ham squad, on paper they should find themselves with 18 points come Saturday evening. Ex Chelsea striker Carlton Cole, now of West Ham, should be looking to register on the score sheet with his rise in form, scoring twice in his last four appearances.The favourites for the game at Pride Park are defiantly West Ham; however I don’t think anyone could write Derby of this game just yet. Both clubs are hungry for the three points and will defiantly fight for them until the last minute. It’s a big game for Derby and in their case they must be recording points from these sort of home games if they have any hope of staying up this season in the top flight of English football. However, with no goals in their past four games, it’s hard to see it happening.

 My Prediction:  I can’t see past a West Ham win. Derby will certainly put up a good fight, however with the lack of form and goals recently shown by Derby, they’ll struggle against this West Ham side on the weekend. I’m predicting a 2-1 win to West Ham.

« Previous Page