Disappointments have been rare for Steve McClaren and Derby County this season, but the Championship leaders head into the meeting with Brighton & Hove Albion on the back of just their fourth loss of the season.

Mirco Antenucci's brace condemned Derby to a 2-0 defeat last weekend, but results elsewhere ensured that McClaren's side remain one point clear at the top of the table.

Changes could be possible if McClaren looks to freshen up his side heading into a busy Christmas schedule, with Craig Bryson and Josh Dawkins pushing for a place in the starting lineup.

All signs point to a reaction from Derby, who have recorded victory in the next game after all three of their losses this season in all competitions.

Brighton have won just once since August, and need a positive result at the home of the leaders to stand any chance of climbing out of the relegation zone.

A rare win looked to be on the way when debutant Darren Bent opened the scoring against Fulham last weekend, but Sami Hyypia was left disappointed again as his side slipped to a 2-1 defeat.

There has been good news for the club this weekend, though, with Gordon Greer and Bruno both agreeing to sign contract extensions.

Hyypia will be without the injured Kazenga LuaLua and the suspended Adrian Colunga on Saturday, meaning that Sam Baldock and Rohan Ince could both be handed recalls.

Derby:

Form in Championship: LLWWWL
Form in all competitions: WLWWWL

Possible starting lineup: Grant, Christie, Keogh, Shotton, Forsyth, Hendrick, Bryson, Hughes, Ibe, Martin, Russell

Brighton:

Form in Championship: DLWDDL
Form in all competitions: LLWDDL

Possible starting lineup: Stockdale, Bruno, Hughes, Dunk, Bennett, Gardner, Forster-Caskey, E. Bennett, Ince, Baldock, Bent

Sports Mole says: 3-0

Previews by email