Opposition View: Derby County

Tonight`s clash at St. Andrew`s will be Blues` second in succession in front of the TV cameras. Last weekend`s draw at Burnley was an indication of how far Blues have come in such a short space of time. In many ways, it was a solid away performance. But fast forward to tonight, Derby will be a different kettle of fish.

Paul Clement`s side have drew all three of their league games so far and are desperately awaiting their first win. On boxing day, The Rams ran out 4-0 victors in B9 in a one-sided game. But if that result bought Blues fans down the earth after a fantastic run of results, this game is on a knife-edge, expectancy wise.

With a three-goal win, Blues will move to the top of the table, albeit temporarily, with a game in hand. That would represent a superb start to the season for Gary Rowett`s men.

The Blues boss is hopeful that Michael Morrison and Jon Toral will be fit enough to play, a massive boost for the hosts.

Derby are promotion favourites and this comes with an added pressure. The money they have splashed out on players, most notably Tom Ince, result in a massive rise in their expectation levels. Clement`s Derby are a work-in-progress. Pretty similar to Blues.

Optimism levels at St. Andrew`s are growing gradually and the club today announced the signing of Danish striker Nicolai Brock-Madsen for a reported £500,000. This is a massive amount for Blues to spend in comparison to signings in recent years but would be a drop in the ocean for Derby who have forked out millions on proven quality.

Manager Clement`s regime is yet to impress some sections of the East Midlands faithful. John Brant, a Derby supporter, told me- “The style of football we have played so far under Clement has been ok, but no better than last season. We are better defensively, though. Steve McClaren was shaping up to be a great Derby manager until his head was turned by bigger prey – from then on, it was horrible to watch”.

Former Villa-duo Darren Bent and Andi Weimann are sure to get a hostile reception from Blues` fans tonight.

Twitter @TheWildeyShow