Derby County v Leeds Utd Match Thread

[Ellandback1]

Derby County v Leeds United
Sunday 29th December 5:45pm | Pride Park


Leeds United will be aiming to cap off the year in style as they make their way to Pride Park on Sunday evening to face Derby County. The Rams have been in good form as of late, demonstrating their resilience, with a 0-0 draw against Burnley at Deepdale, a commanding 4-0 victory over Portsmouth, and a hard-fought 2-1 win against the Baggies on Boxing Day.

Their only setback since the last meeting with Leeds, which resulted in a comfortable 2-0 win for the Whites at the beginning of the month, was a narrow loss at Luton. Despite this minor blip, Derby has shown significant improvement and could present problems for the Whites away from home.

Currently, there is a stark contrast in the standings between the two teams, with Leeds enjoying a 21-point and 13-place advantage over the Rams at the halfway point of the Championship season. The Whites are on a trajectory that could see them amass an impressive 96 points if they maintain their current form. However, competition is fierce, with only a single point separating the top three.





After being rested during the recent game against Stoke, AO Tanaka is likely to return to the starting line-up, with Joe Rothwell potentially dropping to the bench. Defensive concerns persist, as Ilia Gruev, Junior Firpo, and Max Wober remain side-lined due to injury, suggesting Farke will stick with a back four of Bogle, Rodon, Struijk and Byram

Manor Solomon and Dan James have been wreaking havoc on opposing defences with their blistering pace, exceptional link-up play, and ability to get the ball into the box. Their performances have solidified their place in the starting line-up over the likes of Gnonto & Ramazani.

Rams boss Paul Warne isn't expected to make any changes to the side that beat West Brom on Boxing Day. In midfield, Ebou Adams and Kenzo Goudmijn are expected to play as pivots in front of the back four. Mendez-Laing should take his place on the left, with Kayden Jackson on the opposite flank. Marcus Harness is expected to play as a number 10 behind Jerry Yates who leads the attack.



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[Carrick Dave]

I've noticed Derby's results have picked up since we beat them, and I think they will offer a lot more threat on Sunday. We need the points to keep the run going away from home, and especially to frustrate Parker and Wilder.

Ampadu and Tanaka will be interesting if it happens, but rough on Joe Rothwell who has been outstanding recently.

[Barlow Boy]

I've noticed Derby's results have picked up since we beat them, and I think they will offer a lot more threat on Sunday. We need the points to keep the run going away from home, and especially to frustrate Parker and Wilder.

Ampadu and Tanaka will be interesting if it happens, but rough on Joe Rothwell who has been outstanding recently.

Nice problem to have Dave

[andrewjohnsmith]

I've noticed Derby's results have picked up since we beat them, and I think they will offer a lot more threat on Sunday. We need the points to keep the run going away from home, and especially to frustrate Parker and Wilder.

Ampadu and Tanaka will be interesting if it happens, but rough on Joe Rothwell who has been outstanding recently.

Several options. Ampadu could drop back if Farke doesn't want to risk Byram on short rest

[1964white]

Wober had a minor knee operation this week.

[Irish Ian]

Wober had a minor knee operation this week.

I didnt even notice he was missing.

Im still sure he will try and jump ship this January.

[Stonecoldwhite]

I've noticed Derby's results have picked up since we beat them, and I think they will offer a lot more threat on Sunday. We need the points to keep the run going away from home, and especially to frustrate Parker and Wilder.

Ampadu and Tanaka will be interesting if it happens, but rough on Joe Rothwell who has been outstanding recently.

Not at all Dave with how the manager has now built his team, I sense some harmony throughout the squad. Tanaka wasn't dropped last night, just sensibly rested with Derby coming up, I'm hoping to see Ampadu/Tanaka v Derby and that wouldn't see Rothwell dropped, just sensible rotation in a vital area of the pitch. Any of Aaronson Soloman James could now be rested also and none would see a massive drop off in team performance should Gnonto/ Ramazani start, such is the strength in team depth, not squad depth, but team depth. Notice the huge drop in team performance now Rodri is missing at City, our manager has built a team where injuries like Ampadu recently didn't hurt us, but only last term we were desperate for Ampadu not to get injured. Rodon is my only concern, and he may even now have him covered, though i don't particularly want to find out.
Derby teamsheet is going to be interesting, even more so if there are no changes, that speaks volumes in itself about the players fitness and the excellent work the manager is doing.

[DDB220]

Not at all Dave with how the manager has now built his team, I sense some harmony throughout the squad. Tanaka wasn't dropped last night, just sensibly rested with Derby coming up, I'm hoping to see Ampadu/Tanaka v Derby and that wouldn't see Rothwell dropped, just sensible rotation in a vital area of the pitch. Any of Aaronson Soloman James could now be rested also and none would see a massive drop off in team performance should Gnonto/ Ramazani start, such is the strength in team depth, not squad depth, but team depth. Notice the huge drop in team performance now Rodri is missing at City, our manager has built a team where injuries like Ampadu recently didn't hurt us, but only last term we were desperate for Ampadu not to get injured. Rodon is my only concern, and he may even now have him covered, though i don't particularly want to find out.
Derby teamsheet is going to be interesting, even more so if there are no changes, that speaks volumes in itself about the players fitness and the excellent work the manager is doing.

DF has a number or selection decisions. I am not convinced Rothwell will be out of the side for this game. His set piece responsibilities have become important, moreso away from home, where a well taken corner could make the difference.

It will probably be determined who else can fulfill the role. Can Rami be as consistent at the set piece ?

[1964white]

DF has a number or selection decisions. I am not convinced Rothwell will be out of the side for this game. His set piece responsibilities have become important, moreso away from home, where a well taken corner could make the difference.

It will probably be determined who else can fulfill the role. Can Rami be as consistent at the set piece ?

He put in a couple of decent set-piece crosses vs Stoke. Maybe not enough evidence yet.

Rothwell is always available & busy, a consistent 7/10 player. A very good signing for us!

[andrewjohnsmith]

Wober had a minor knee operation this week.

Meaning he'll be fit in time for the March internationals?

[Irish Ian]

Tricky awayday at another hideous time for the fans

[Cjay]

https://dcfcfans.uk/topic/43665-derby-c ... ch-thread/

[marie67]

Not at all Dave with how the manager has now built his team, I sense some harmony throughout the squad. Tanaka wasn't dropped last night, just sensibly rested with Derby coming up, I'm hoping to see Ampadu/Tanaka v Derby and that wouldn't see Rothwell dropped, just sensible rotation in a vital area of the pitch. Any of Aaronson Soloman James could now be rested also and none would see a massive drop off in team performance should Gnonto/ Ramazani start, such is the strength in team depth, not squad depth, but team depth. Notice the huge drop in team performance now Rodri is missing at City, our manager has built a team where injuries like Ampadu recently didn't hurt us, but only last term we were desperate for Ampadu not to get injured. Rodon is my only concern, and he may even now have him covered, though i don't particularly want to find out.
Derby teamsheet is going to be interesting, even more so if there are no changes, that speaks volumes in itself about the players fitness and the excellent work the manager is doing.

Tanaka was only resting like the parrot in the monty python sketch

[The Subhuman]

Tanaka was only resting like the parrot in the monty python sketch

Are you saying Tanaka is dead?

[Orange Box]

https://dcfcfans.uk/topic/43665-derby-c ... ch-thread/

Loving the OP by the Comrade 86 fella. Sense of humour. I’ve been to Dourby - he needs every ounce of that.

[DDB220]

Loving the OP by the Comrade 86 fella. Sense of humour. I’ve been to Dourby - he needs every ounce of that.

Agree - very witty.

Hard to call this game, they have been decent at home of late, good point against Burnley and two good home wins against the Baggies and Portsmouth.

[GreennWhite]

We will need to be at our best for this game, at both ends of the pitch. We cant afford to be wasteful with the chances that come along in games like this.
Another away win would be very handy but not the end of the world if we only pick up a point.

[marie67]

Are you saying Tanaka is dead?

Just comparing the insistence that both were resting.

[Sean_Nile]

Hat trick for Rodon today.

Catches the ball between his knees from a corner, and waddles over the goal line.

Disperses the Derby defence with a bout of Christmas Brussel sprout flatulence , and having extended his buttocks lets the ball bounce off them into the net.

Pièce de résistance, an acrobatic backheel scissor kick... which is easier to write about than to imagine.

[weasel]

Hat trick for Rodon today.

Catches the ball between his knees from a corner, and waddles over the goal line.

Disperses the Derby defence with a bout of Christmas Brussel sprout flatulence , and having extended his buttocks lets the ball bounce off them into the net.

Pièce de résistance, an acrobatic backheel scissor kick... which is easier to write about than to imagine.

You mean like the one he scored for his french club?