Derby v City. Match preview

Last updated : 20 September 2008 By Michael Morris
After 6 games City have Won 2 and Drawn 4. The last three games have seen City keep clean sheets.

City sit in 6th place on 10 points. Derby meanwhile are on 5 points and are back in 21st. The Rams drew 1 - 1 at Swansea in midweek and last weekend won at home against Sheffield Utd. That was their first league win in 37 games. Derby were the whipping boys of the Premier League last season and they started this season in poor form but they have recovered in the last week to get two decent results.

Derby will give late fitness tests to Kris Commons and Rob Hulse ahead of Cardiff's visit to Pride Park on Saturday afternoon.

Both players missed the midweek draw against Cardiff's south Wales rivals Swansea with respective hamstring and dead leg problems.

Stephen Pearson, Derby's goalscorer in the 1-1 draw at the Liberty Stadium, made his first start for the club since mid-March against Swansea and should retain his place in the side if Commons does not make it.

Meanwhile, the Rams are set for a major boost with Giles Barnes expected to return to fitness next month.

The 20-year-old midfielder suffered knee ligament damage in February and underwent surgery in America.

He is now on course to make a comeback, although manager Paul Jewell does not want to put a specific date on his return.

Dave Jones has a selection dilemma as he prepares his Cardiff side for their trip to Pride Park.

Scotland Under-21 international Ross McCormack started the 1-0 midweek victory at Barnsley after struggling with a groin injury but was replaced by Jay Bothroyd after 69 minutes.

Bothroyd is again pushing for a starting berth at Pride Park, as is American Eddie Johnson.

Impressive defender Miguel Comminges suffered a blow to the head in the closing seconds of the victory at Oakwell, while goalkeeper Tom Heaton suffered a cut under his chin, but both are expected to be passed fit.

Gavin Rae should continue to feature after his recent return, while fellow midfielder Darcy Blake needs to get the all clear off an eye specialist before being given permission to play.

Midfielder Mark Kennedy (hamstring) remains doubtful while Riccardo Scimeca (ankle) and Tony Capaldi (back) are still out.