DERBY v BLACKBURN - ROVERS REGAIN PRIDE AT PRIDE PARK?
The Rams almost picked up two impressive results in a week when they were minutes away from a draw with Liverpool on Boxing Day but there are genuine signs of improvement under Paul Jewell. This is perhaps a case of too little, too late to save them from relegation, after all they are bottom of the Premier League, 9 points from safety but at least they may take a few big name scalps on their way back to the Championship.
Rovers finally halted their 3-match run of League defeats with a draw with Man City at Fortress Eastlands on Thursday night. Blackburn’s festive talisman Roque Santa Cruz has now scored 5 goals in his last 3 League appearances, so Derby beware. Mark Hughes’ side have not won away from Ewood in 4 matches but will see a trip to the rock bottom Rams as a definite opportunity to rectify that dismal statistic.
This is a tough match to predict as Derby should be confident despite the defeat to Liverpool and Rovers will surely be buoyed at what is an impressive result at Eastlands. A draw is possibly the safest option despite the Rams only picking up 1 point from the last 27 available but with Cruz on fire for Rovers back them on Premier 10 to end their winless run and regain their lost pride at Pride Park.
Pundit’s Pick: Rovers return with 3 points (away win)
Tags: 30/12/07, Blackburn, Derby, Mark Hughes, Paul Jewell, Premier 10, Premier League, preview, Rams, Rovers
