After the Rams dismal second half display at Pride Park on Saturday — Nigel Clough’s men will be happy to jump on the coach again as the League’s best performed side on the road. Progress in the cup would go a long way to helping repair the damage done to their confidence after another poor home performance.

Derby’s home form is becoming a problem, not a terminal one but one that needs to be rectified soon. If their away form stutters before they get the monkey off their back, then it could be curtains for their play-off aspirations.

The Capital Cup has popped up again, just in time to allow the team a chance to find the touch that escaped them in the second 45 against Reading.

Nigel Clough should have the same team available to him that went down to Reading but may use the Cup as a chance to give some of his first team regulars a rest and also get some minutes into his bench players. Many deserve the chance to inject some energy and press for a spot, especially after how flat the team looked on Saturday as the game wore on.

Paul Coutts is almost certain to come back into the team while Michael Jacobs, Kieron Freeman & Ben Davies need some game time and would all be more than suitable candidates to start against the Foxes. Some or all of Eustace, Hughes, Ward & Smith may find themselves starting on the bench if Nigel decides to see what his ‘Plan-B’ players can offer.

Connor Sammon is the other player and perhaps the most deserving of a recall, as each and every time he is unleashed, shows an undeniable hunger and passion to prove he should be part of the Rams regular strike force. The same fans that gave him grief last season are beginning to appreciate his genuine enthusiasm and desire to pull on the shirt.

For me I would give Chris Martin a rest who looked far too uninterested in the second half against Reading. From the stands it looked as if he chose to sulk rather than knuckle down when the play, and a barrage of poor crosses, did not come his way. In contrast Sammon did everything Martin could not be bothered to do and the strike from Hughes was a direct result of his tenacity.

If Nigel wanted a complete overhaul maybe a front two of Sammon and Bennett would be worth a try but that may be a bridge too far if the team has aspirations of progressing, especially as Russell is looking dangerous. But hopefully Mason will get a chance at some time during the 90.

Turning to the Foxes, Nigel Pearson's team will be looking for a win in the Cup to add spice to a League campaign that has started well with only one defeat in ten matches. They come off a good display at Blackpool where they only just missed out on all 3 points because of an injury time penalty to the Seasiders.

The Rams will have their hands full, as despite a great away record, the Foxes will be one of the better teams they have met on their travels to date.

Leicester may unveil their new signing, Polish defender Marcin Wasilewski, if his international clearance comes through in time for the match. While Sean St Ledger and Chris Wood are still carrying injuries and will miss again.

Last time around the Rams more than matched the Foxes at Pride Park but a comical own goal from a shot that bounced off Lee Grant, handed the Rams defeat. It was probably Derby’s best home display of the season, so there is hope Derby could go one better this time around.

I am frightened to tip a win (having spent my life delivering the 'kiss of death') but the Rams have been so good on the road that I have to keep the faith. I think Nigel will inject some fresh legs into the clash and their desperation to press for a starting spot will get them over the line.

Dan’s Score Prediction :

Foxes 1 — 2 Derby (Sammon, Russell)

Recent Form — Last 5 Matches : (all competitions)

Foxes (3^rd): W, L, W, W, D

Rams (12^th): W, L, W, D, L

Match Facts :

We have met the Foxes in two previous Cup encounters, Derby hold the ascendancy after winning away in 1979 and again in 1986 on aggregate.

Leicester has won six of the last seven matches against Derby but overall, from their 105 match history, Derby is still on top with 46 wins to 31.

Derby has had no trouble finding the net in the cup with 13 goals in their last four Cup clashes.

The Rams have never reached the League Cup final but have appeared in two semi-finals with the most recent in 2009.

No time like the present to change that last fact. COYR!!!

Classic Away Video Vs. Leicester:

22^nd February 1992 — Leicester 1 v 2 Derby

Photo: Action Images

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