Preview: Derby County vs. Ipswich Town

Derby County begin life without Nigel Clough looking to end their dismal home form against Ipswich Town in the Championship on Tuesday night.

The visit of Mick McCarthy's men is the first time that Derby have played since Saturday night's sacking of Clough that was sparked by defeat to arch rivals Nottingham Forest in the East Midlands derby.

New manager Steve McClaren, who was confirmed as Clough's successor on Monday evening, will be watching from the stands as Darren Wassall takes temporary charge.

If Wassall guides the Rams to a win, then it will be their first at home at the fifth time of asking this season.

Ipswich are arguably the perfect opposition as they have mustered just two goals on their travels this season and have exactly the same, poor record away from home that Derby do on their own turf (one draw, three losses).

Monday's emergency loan signing Zak Whitbread is likely to start for the Rams in place of skipper Richard Keogh, who was shown red in the Forest defeat.

Meanwhile, McCarthy will probably begin with the same XI that brushed aside Brighton & Hove Albion at the weekend, with Daryl Murphy set to partner the prolific David McGoldrick up front again.

In the same fixture between the two sides last season, Ipswich stole a dramatic victory in the dying moments thanks to Carlos Edwards's long-range effort.

Recent form

Derby: LLDWLW

Ipswich: WLWWDL

Possible starting lineups

Derby: Grant; Smith, Whitbread, Buxton, Forsyth; Eustace, Bryson, Hughes; Ward, Martin, Russell

Ipswich: Gerken; Chambers, Berra, Smith, Cresswell; Anderson, Skuse, Hyam, Tunnicliffe; Murphy, McGoldrick

Sports Mole says: 0-1