- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,269,600
- Reaction score
- 59
You must be registered for see images attach
[BBC]
You must be registered for see images attach
[Getty Images]
A huge game in the race for the play-offs takes place on Saturday afternoon, when Derby travel to the league's in-form side, Southampton.
Unfortunately for Derby, they will face arguably their toughest test between now and the end of the season without key players Patrick Agyemang, and Ben Brereton Diaz.
Agyemang left the field on a stretcher in the first half of Monday's win against Stoke after suffering an Achilles injury, which also means he will no longer be available to compete in this summer's World Cup for the USA.
It is devastating news for a player who has been so influential for Derby throughout this campaign.
Brereton Diaz will also be unavailable due to Southampton being his parent club.
Two huge blows for Derby, which will no doubt have an effect on their attacking cutting edge.
In Agyemang, the Rams are going to miss having a player who is a focal point, and has the ability to make clever runs in behind. Something which you believe Derby would have looked to use to exploit the Saints' high defensive line.
With Brereton Diaz's absence, Derby will lose someone who possesses a lot of energy, and has an incredible work rate, pressing continuously throughout the 90 minutes.
In terms of replacements, Carlton Morris will provide that physicality and presence up front that the Rams will miss in Agyemang.
The experienced head of Morris will also be a key asset to Derby on Saturday, particularly in periods where they may need to slow the game down and relieve pressure.
Derby's number nine got back on the scoresheet on Monday, netting for the first time since returning from injury. With this you expect him to be full of confidence, and even hungrier to find the net again this weekend.
Sammie Szmodics could be back in contention for a starting spot, after he suffered a concussion on international duty with the Republic of Ireland.
Szmodics would bring the ability to find space between the lines, and also look to get on the end of chances by utilising late runs into the box.
With him in the side, Derby will be more inclined to use quick passing combinations, much like they did for their impressive second goal against Stoke City on Monday, rather than crosses into the box that would enable physical aerial battles.
Jaydon Banel is perhaps the surprise package for Derby, and he could be the one to really make the difference at the weekend. He possesses bags of pace, a fearless attacking approach, and comes into the game off the back of scoring his first goal in English football.
Banel will replace Derby's natural width in the absence of both Brereton Diaz and Agyemang, whilst also allowing the Rams to have an out-ball, likely opening up good counter attacking opportunities and creating a threat in transitions.
The Rams have a good balance of experienced and exciting attacking options to step up and take their opportunities, in the absence of two players who have been really key to their success so far this season.
The upcoming challenge at St Mary's will undoubtedly be a tough one, but should the Rams be able to adapt and cope without their absentees, they could find a result that may be pivotal to whether they finish inside or outside the Championship play-off places come the end of the season.
You can often catch Amelia Warren as a guest on BBC Radio Derby.
You must be registered for see images
Continue reading...
