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Cottagers Confidential: Derby County's season couldn't have gone much better to begin. Is this what you expected? What are your expectations for the second half of the year?
Rams Corner: Given the signings and money spent on the recruits, I did expect Derby to be there or thereabouts and I think this season we will cross the line. The squad is full of talent and quality players over the pitch. The appointment of manager Paul Clement has proved to be very shrewd so far, he is a bright thinker, talks very well and clearly commands the respect of his team, but it is his first job in the hot seat so there were questions at the beginning of the season about how he would adapt. Clement has answered those critics.
CC: What is iPro Stadium like, and what should the travelling fans expect?
RC: The iPro Stadium is a good, modern ground, although I completely understand critics who say it lacks character. Traffic is notoriously awful after the game. Have a drink in the city centre before the match would be my advice and then walk to Pride Park.
CC: If you had to set up a team to defeat Derby, how would you do it?
RC: A quick, hardworking side with team players that know their roles well all over the pitch is needed with a lot of organisation. Stopping George Thorne from having time on the ball would be key. In the past I would have side be as physical as possible but increasingly Derby are matching highly physical teams very well. Quick counter attacks are almost the only route past the current Rams backline. For most away sides at Derby it really is a case of backs against the wall with most men behind the ball for a lot of the game.
CC: Predicted lineup? Score?
RC: I'm predicting a 2-0 Rams win. I think most Rams fans will be expecting three points.
(4-3-3) Grant; Christie, Keogh, Shackell, Warnock; Thorne, Johnson, Butterfield; Ince, Martin, Russell