Preview: Derby County vs. Ipswich Town

It has been a mixed start to the season for Derby County, but they have the chance to make it three wins in a row in all competitions when they host Ipswich Town at the iPro Stadium on Saturday.

The Rams edged to a narrow victory over Rotherham United in their opening match of the campaign before a goalless draw with Sheffield Wednesday and defeat to Charlton Athletic left the promotion candidates with just four points from their first three games.

However, they hit back in style last weekend, showing exactly why they were last season's top scorers with a 5-1 victory over recently-relegated Fulham.

Steve McClaren will be desperate to carry that momentum over to this weekend's match, and they continued their winning ways on Tuesday, gaining a measure of revenge over Charlton with a win in the second round of the League Cup.

The iPro was the scene of both of those victories, and the Rams have now won their last nine competitive matches in front of their own fans.

That run includes a 100% record so far this season, during which time they have conceded just one goal while scoring seven in three outings.

Will Hughes made a big difference when he came on against Fulham last weekend, and he could be restored to the starting lineup on Saturday, replacing John Eustace.

In contrast, Ipswich must pick themselves up from a demoralising defeat at the hands of bitter rivals Norwich City last weekend as the Canaries ran out 1-0 winners in the East Anglian derby.

The Tractor Boys gave away a sloppy goal to lose the first derby in three years, and costly defensive errors have been a feature of the team in the opening stages of the season.

Having begun the campaign in style with a 2-1 win over Fulham, Mick McCarthy's side have since lost three and drawn one in all competitions, with that solitary point coming courtesy of a stoppage-time equaliser.

Perhaps even more worryingly for McCarthy, his side have failed to score in three of those last four matches, with star striker David McGoldrick yet to find the net since that opening-day win as he continues his recovery from injury.

Having had no League Cup duties in midweek, McGoldrick should be fit to start once again, and he is expected to partner Daryl Murphy up front.

Recent form

Derby: WWDLWW

Ipswich: WLLDL

Possible starting lineups

Derby: Grant; Christie, Keogh, Buxton, Forsyth; Hendrick, Hughes, Bryson; Ward, Martin, Russell

Ipswich: Gerken; Chambers, Berra, Smith, Mings; Anderson, Hyam, Skuse, Tabb; Murphy, McGoldrick

Sports Mole says: 1-0