Derby County will be looking to continue their recent run of good form by striving for their fourth win in a row in the Championship in their clash against Blackburn Rovers.
The Rams defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-2 in their match on Sunday to move into the top six, while Rovers saw an unbeaten four-match unbeaten run ended by a 3-0 loss to MK Dons.
Blackburn Rovers
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Rovers endured a difficult start to the campaign as they failed to win any of their opening seven matches in the campaign, which put manager Gary Bowyer under immense pressure.
Reports suggested that the 44-year-old was close to being sacked by the club, but Venky's kept faith in Bowyer and his side turned the corner by securing a 3-0 win over Charlton Athletic.
Jordan Rhodes then rescued a point in their clash against Hull City to earn a vital point, while the Scotland international then continued his good form with a brace in a 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town.
However, the club's resurgence came crashing to a halt when they were hammered 3-0 by MK Dons to end their four-match unbeaten run. As a result, Bowyer's men are still in a precarious position in 15th place just three points above the relegation zone.
Rovers have been solid at Ewood Park this season, losing just one of their five matches, which will give them confidence heading into the fixture against the Rams.
Defensively, Bowyer's men have had issues this season as they have kept just three clean sheets in their 11 games. Rovers have only conceded 13 goals, but their lack of clinical edge in the defensive third of the pitch has led to their downfall this season.
The form of Rhodes has led to the upturn in Rovers' form as he has netted seven goals in his last six matches. The club have notched 12 goals this season, and Bowyer will be hopeful that other members of his side begin to chip in to support the Scot.
Recent form: LDWDWL
Derby
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The Rams had a slow start to the campaign as they failed to win any of their first five matches of the season, drawing four of their games and falling to a narrow defeat to Leeds United.
Paul Clement faced early criticism for his side's struggles, as well as their exit from the Capital One Cup, but Derby turned the corner at the start of September after the international break with a 2-1 win over Preston North End.
Since then, the Rams have won five of their last six contests in the Championship, surging into the top six in the table to establish themselves in the race for promotion.
Derby have kept four clean sheets this season and have been one of the strongest teams at the back. However, they were exposed at times in their win over Wolves, which may give Clement cause for concern heading into the match at Ewood Park.
Chris Martin notched a brace in their win over Kenny Jackett's men at the iPro Stadium to take his tally to seven for the season.
The striker has got the nod over Darren Bent in recent weeks and has delivered for Clement, who will also be pleased with the form of Tom Ince, who has fired three goals in the campaign.
Derby have been one of the best teams in the Championship on the road this season as they are unbeaten in their five matches, winning three of their clashes. However, their form will be put to the test by the solid performances of Rovers at Ewood Park this season.
Recent form: WWDWWW
Team News
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Rovers will be without right-back Adam Henley following his dismissal against MK Dons. Ben Marshall could come into the lineup to replace the defender against the Rams.
However, Corry Evans is expected to play despite struggling with a groin injury, while Marcus Olsson has overcome an illness to take his place in the squad.
Derby are likely to be without midfielder Jeff Hendrick after he was forced from the field against Wolves in the second half due to an illness.
Chris Baird and Jacob Butterfield are in contention to replace the Republic of Ireland international.
Clement is also without long-term absentees Jake Buxton, Craig Bryson and Will Hughes for the trip to Ewood Park.
Blackburn possible starting lineup:
Steele; Marshall, Duffy, Hanley, Olsson; Williamson, Akpan, Evans, Conway; Lawrence, Rhodes
Derby possible starting lineup:
Carson; Christie, Forsyth, Keogh, Shackell; Butterfield, Johnson, Ince, Thorne; Martin, Russell
Head To Head
Derby won the last meeting between the sides courtesy of a 2-0 win at the iPro Stadium thanks to a second-half brace from Bent.
The Rams also recorded a victory in the last clash at Ewood Park, securing a 3-2 win as Jamie Ward notched two strikes and Will Hughes also found the net.
Over the course of history, Blackburn hold the edge in the contests by winning 53 of the matches. Derby have recorded 40 victories, while 34 of the clashes have ended in stalemates.
We say: Blackburn 1-2 Derby
Derby have begun to find the form that their talented squad is capable of producing in the Championship. Clement's men have been impressive on the road and should be able to secure their fourth win on the spin, despite facing a tough challenge against Rovers at Ewood.
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