Match Preview : Away to Derby County
Derby County vs Bolton Wanderers (KO 3.00pm)
Ground: Pride Park | Referee: Rob Styles
Bolton will travel to Pride Park in the hope of getting their first away win on the season. The two clubs have both had a disastrous start to the 2007-2008 season in the English Premier League and only goal difference separates them at the bottom of the table.
It is hoped that Ivan Campo will make a return having picked up an injury that meant he missed the midweek League Cup fixture at Fulham. Stelios and Braaten are also hopeful for a start after minor knocks at Craven Cottage.
It is certain that the starting 11 will differ from that which beat Fulham at Craven Cottage as the likes of Nolan, Diouf and Anelka will make a welcomed return.
Sammy Lee has aired his opinion about the game:
“It’s huge game - inasmuch as it’s our next Premier League game.
“All 38 Premier League games are huge. Each of them has its own relevance and its own set of difficulties. There are always consequences from winning and losing. If you win you step up the table, if you lose you go down the table.”
After stating the obvious Little Sam continued:
“It’s very important that we prepare ourselves for every game and it’s not going to be easy on Saturday.
“I’ve got nothing but respect for what Billy Davies has done at Derby County Football Club. It will be difficult. He’s a great football person and has a good squad there.
“We’ll be going head to head on Saturday and I’ll be looking for us to come out with maximum points.”
Meanwhile The Rams manager, Billy Davies, said the following about The Wanderers:
“I am surprised to see Bolton where they are at the moment because they have a lot of good players and they are a very difficult side to play against.
“They cannot be underestimated. Do not be fooled, Bolton are still tough opponents. They have played consistently at this level over the last few years. They have handled the Premier League well over recent years.
“In no way is this an easy game, there are no such things in the Premier League. Bolton may not be Arsenal or Liverpool, with their spending power, but they are a team that deserves the utmost respect.
“Bolton’s league position does not reflect the quality they have in their team.”
It sounds like both managers think that The Premier League is ‘difficult’. It is interesting that each manager praised the other too. It is as if they were both making premature excuses for their team’s defeat.
Incidentally Bolton have not beaten Derby in The Premiership and the last time The Wanderers did when visiting The Rams in the top-flight was in 1947 with a 1-3 win. The most recent win when Derby have played host to BWFC was in 1981 (0-2).
Historic statistics suggest that Bolton will fail to win at Pride Park.
Do you feel confident that you know the result? Ladbrokes were offering 7/4 for a Bolton win.
Tags : billy davies dcfc prematch pride park rob styles Sammy Lee Team News
