Derby County will be looking to start strongly under new manager Paul Clement, and having brought in the likes of Tom Ince over the summer, they’re likely to be promotion candidates. In their way between an opening day win is a streamlined Bolton squad.
Having started the last few seasons so poorly, we’ll definitely be hoping to do better this year so it doesn’t end up being a 7 month long game of ‘catch up’. However, beginning the season against the likes of Derby and Middlesborough doesn’t make matters too easy.
Football is a very funny game- not too long ago Derby were in the Premier League with about 2 points come the end of the season and many a Bolton fan laughed in their faces even though we were just one point away from relegation. Now who’s laughing?
Vital Quotes:
‘We’re hoping to start well. It’s a tough start but we’d rather play these teams now before they get into their stride. I watched Derby last week. They’re a physical team with strength in depth and have brought in some good players. Paul Clement has plenty of experience from his time working with Ancelotti. I wish him well this season, just not against us.’- a very humorous Neil Lennon
‘Neil Lennon has done a good job at Bolton and they have a good team. We’re in good shape and we’re ready to go on Saturday’- Paul Clement
The obligatory, professional flattery out of the way, it will be interesting to see what they say after the match.
Bolton Wanderers Team News:
Tim Ream is a doubt, having picked up a dead leg whilst on international duty with the USMNT. Max Clayton and David Wheater are still injured alongside Derik Osede who should be back in a week or two. Zach Clough is back in action and ready to fire on all cylinders. New signing, Prince-Desir Gouano could be in line for a baptism of fire given the lack of fit centre backs.
Player to watch: Zach Clough
Who else? Given Derby’s attacking prowess, they’re almost bound to score goals and the only way we’ll be able to get anything out of this game is by causing problems at their end too. The small, tricky Denton born forward will certainly be out there to prove that last season was not a fluke and that he can genuinely be considered as one of the most exciting prospects in English football.
Derby County Team News:
Derby’s only injury problem is defender Jake Buxton who has been rules out of this clash.
Player to watch: Chris Martin
Given that our centre back pairing will probably be two of Dorian Dervite, Prinve-Desir Gouano and Quade Taylor, I’d be very worried about a consistent 20-25 goal a season striker coming up against them. Martin’s quite the physical specimen and he’ll cause problems. Best case scenario: Ream plays… and I still despise the idea of Ream vs Martin in aerial duels.
Match Facts & Stats
Over the years against Derby we have won 61; drawn 21 and lost 45.
Match Prediction:
It could well be a goal fest, this. We normally tend to lose out on goal fests, but let’s go with 3-3; Zach Clough to score two and Madine to grab the other one
Next Fixtures:
Next to journey to Horwich are Burton Albion in the Capital One Cup.