Match Preview - Man Utd (h)

[Jourdan]

Derby entertain defending Premier League champions Manchester United tomorrow, reeling from an almighty backlash from Chelsea, who were humbled by Barnsley in the FA Cup last weekend. United were also dumped out of the FA Cup and will be looking to get back to winning ways to turn up the heat on league leaders Arsenal.

Last Time at Pride Park

Derby 2-2 Manchester United (2001/02)

Recent History

Since the start of the 1990s, the Red Devils have well and truly dominated English football under the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson. They have won the Premier League an unprecedented 9 times, held the Community Shield aloft 7 times, lifted the FA Cup 4 times and tasted League Cup success twice. They have also had enviable success in continental competitions – winning the UEFA Super Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1991 and the Champions’ League and the Intercontinental Cup in 1999. The number of times they have won silverware in the past 18 years (26) is approaching three times as many Premier League points Derby have collected all season (10).

Summer Signings

In an attempt to build on last year’s title glory, United used their financial muscle to secure four impressive signings in the summer. After months of pursuit, they finally captured former Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves. They also swooped for promising midfielders Anderson and Nani from Portuguese sides Porto and Sporting Lisbon respectively. After playing a crucial role in West Ham’s Premier League survival last season, Argentine star Carlos Tevez agreed to a controversial switch to Old Trafford to the dismay of the Hammers’ faithful.

Form

Since the Rams visited Old Trafford in December, United have won 13 of their 19 competitive games, claiming victory in 9 of their last 12 Premier League games and collecting 28 points in the process.

Losses have been rare for the title holders - West Ham overcame Ferguson’s side when they won 2-1 at Upton Park in December before Manchester City were next to upset the odds with a 2-1 triumph at Old Trafford in February.

The Red Devils have had mixed fortunes in the cup competitions – they comfortably negotiated the First Knockout Round of the Champions League beating Lyon 2-1 on aggregate. However they were stunned by Harry Redknapp’s Portsmouth who took on the role of giant-killers by holding out for a 1-0 win at Old Trafford in the FA Cup.

One to Watch

Cristiano Ronaldo – The Portuguese midfielder is the man in every Premier League defender’s nightmares. After an unconvincing start to his United career, the former Sporting Lisbon star has blossomed in recent seasons, improving with every passing game. Always renowned for his pace, trickery and creativity, it is now his goal-scoring ability that is leaving pundits and fans alike astounded. He has netted 30 goals in 37 first team appearances this season, making last season’s haul of 23 goals in 53 appearances look ordinary. What’s frightening is at the age of 23, he still has plenty of time to get even better.

Predicted Line Ups

Derby – Carroll, Edworthy, Moore, Leacock, McEveley, Sterjovski, Pearson, Jones, Lewis, Miller, Villa

Man Utd – Foster, Brown, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra, Ronaldo, Carrick, Scholes, Nani, Tevez, Rooney

Key Battles

McEveley vs. Ronaldo – Scottish international left back Jay McEveley will be in for one long afternoon if he is to come up against the sublime Cristiano Ronaldo.

Miller vs. Ferdinand – Classy centre back Rio Ferdinand will have to be wary of Derby’s leading marksman Kenny Miller.

Odds (courtesy of Ladbrokes.com on 14/03/2008)

Derby to win – 11/1
Draw – 9/2
Man Utd to win – 1/6

Virtual Betting

2 bets have been placed – one forum member has audaciously backed Derby to win at odds of 10/1 and another member has been sensible by tipping the Red Devils to win at 1/6. Other odds include the draw at 5/1.

Jourdan predicts...0-4

[GresleyRam]

1st time in a long time ive felt proud to be a ram! great display and hopefully a sign of whats to come!

[derbycountyman]

GREAT DAY!!

That was the best atmosphere we've had this season

7 or 8 ha!! They only just scored 1