Derby Preview

Team News

Crewe

Crewe have endured a difficult week following an outbreak of meningitis which forced the club to close the training ground earlier in the week. With Ben Williams remaining in hospital, it is likely that the young ‘keeper will be out for the season meaning Ross Turnbull will regain his place after being cup-tied for the defeat at Preston. In the unlikely event of Turnbull being recalled before the Derby game, Stuart Tomlinson will continue in goal. Eddie Johnson (Cup tied) is expected to return to the side to partner Mark Rivers in the Crewe attack. Meanwhile, in defence, Steve Foster is available again following a cold though left-back Anthony Tonkin is out through illness. New signing Tony Grant remains two weeks away from resuming training joining the likes of Juan Ugarte on the injury table but Steve Jones should be available once again. Crewe go into the game without a win in 11 and having kept just 2 clean sheets in their last 51 games.

Star Man – Billy Jones – The midfielder has been in fine form recently and is the club’s leading goal-scorer with 6 goals this season.


Derby

Derby’s injuries are minimal though loanee Andrew Davies will serve the last game of his 3 match ban. Richard Jackson is likely to return from injury meaning Derby’s main injury concerns are in the goalkeeping department. Lee Camp is fighting to be fit in time for Saturday’s game though with Lee Grant still out through injury, Kevin Poole could continue to deputise in goal. Former Crewe favourite Seth Johnson should play against his former club.

Star Man – Inigo Idiakez – Inigo is a true class player at this level and is highly regarded by the Derby management team. After making his name in Spain playing for Real Sociedad and Real Oviedo he joined the Rams in 2004 and made an instant impression on the Derby fans ending last season with 11 goals.


Last Time Out

Last time out the two teams played out a 1-1 draw in front of the Sky cameras at Gresty Road. Crewe took the lead through Mark Rivers, but as so often this season failed to capitalize and were duly punished by a cracking Morten Bisgaard shot.


Last 5 Meetings

Crewe 1-1 Derby
Crewe 1-2 Derby
Derby 2-4 Crewe
Derby 0-0 Crewe
Crewe 3-0 Derby


Travel

Train

Trains to Derby via Birmingham as Stoke to Derby line shut due to engineering work.

Out

Crewe 8.15 9.15 10.15 11.15
Birmingham 9.11 10.06 11.11 12.06

Birmingham 9.30 10.19 11.30 12.19
Derby 10.11 11.02 12.11 13.03

Return

Derby 17.24 17.38 17.57 18.24
Birmingham 17.58 18.27 18.36 19.03

Birmingham 18.21 18.40 19.03 19.21
Crewe 19.23 19.40 19.58 20.23


Car

Journey from Crewe takes around 1 hour 20 minutes and is roughly 50 miles.


Official Travel

Coaches depart Alexandra Stadium at 11.45am

£8 – Season Ticket Holders and Members
£9 – Non Members


John Ford Travel

For further information contact mmowen@btinternet.com


Directions to Ground

From North West:

From Stoke on Trent take A50 Stoke-Derby link road. Join A38 to Derby road, the follow signs for Pride Park.

Tickets

Pre-Purchased Tickets are priced at £22 (Adults) £11 (Senior Citizens & under 16’s)
Match Day Tickets are priced at £25 (Adults) £12 (Senior Citizens & under 16’s)


Betting Odds

Derby 4/6
Draw 5/2
Crewe 7/2

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