Fan Focus: Derby fan Cory talks under pressure boss Paul Warne ahead of Sunderland clash!
Yesterday at 05:30 AM
Ahead of tonight's game at Pride Park, we caught up with Cory of The Rams Review Podcast to get the lowdown on the Rams' season so far, and what we should expect from Paul Warne's Derby tonight.
Derby are currently on a run of five defeats in their last six games, is pressure starting to mount from fans on Paul Warne?
Yes, the pressure mounting on Warne from the fans is immense.
The Derby County board have just told local radio that they will not succumb to the pressure and they are focused on strengthening the squad instead of sacking Warne.
However, the discontent in the stands is increasing. Warne has never really convinced a large majority of the fanbase, even in League One, but he's losing them now, and quickly.
His record in the Championship is poor and unfortunately, after a solid start to the season, four wins in 23 has seen Derby sucked into the relegation battle.
The club have dropped in the table to just one point above the relegation zone - how confident are you of survival as things stand?
As things stand? Not that confident. I do think that there are three or four worse sides in this division on paper, however, games aren't played on paper (sorry for the cliché). Our away form is abysmal, and this team is low on confidence (and players). I don't have a lot of faith that the coaching staff can turn around the slide. Relegation would harm this club no end.
On a more positive note, Derby's record at Pride Park is far better than on the road - what makes you hard to beat at home?
Anytime you get near 30,000 at home it helps (you guys will know this as crowds at the Stadium of Light are huge as well). When Pride Park gets rocking it really is a 12th man and spurs the players on. That being said, when things are going to great, well that translates to the pitch as well.
The club have made one signing so far in striker Lars-Jorgen Salvesen. What can you tell us about him and where else do you need to strengthen?
We brought Lars-Jorgen Salvesen in from Viking FK last week. I spoke with the VikingPodden about Salvesen he seems to be a big and physical presence up top and someone who is good at pressing. I'm excited by the signing. It's nice that we are looking elsewhere for players in the last couple of windows (Zetterstrom from Djurgadens, Goudmijn from AZ). He hasn't played yet as he just returned to preseason training. I'd expect him to be on the bench against Sunderland and he may make a 10-minute cameo (especially since James Collins has departed to Lincoln).
I saw Curtis Nelson has sadly suffered a season-ending injury - how big a blow will he be and who will replace him?
It is a huge blow! Curtis Nelson has played every minute since joining Derby in Summer of 2023. He's been a rock at the back. Nat Phillips would be his replacement, but he's also injured, so Eiran Cashin (himself just back from a hamstring injury) could be partnered by young Jake Rooney (just back in training from an ACL injury) or 35-year-old Craig Forsyth, who has played there in the past but he's not a natural centre-half. In answer to your question, I'm not sure who partners Cashin. It's a devastating blow to lose Nelson.
Which Derby players have impressed you so far this season who you think can cause Sunderland problems?
Goalkeeper Jacob Zetterstrom is our best player. He will probably be playing in the Premier League next season. He's very athletic and very quick. He can have some poor distribution but if he was the finished article he wouldn't be at Derby. He is also knocking on the door to be Sweden's number one 'keeper. Ebou Adams is also a player to look out for. He leads the division in tackles and will cover every blade of grass. He joined us last January on loan and has since been made permanent. He's been a wonderful addition.
How do you think Warne will set up tactically against Sunderland?
Derby will look to get the ball wide and then put crosses in. Against Watford we hardly ever went down the middle of the pitch. We will utilize our fullbacks (Wilson and Elder) as well as Jackson and Mendez-Laing (who has not been as effective at this level as he was in League One). Yates will be the central striker but he has little to no service and will be very isolated.
Which players are missing and who will start?
Nelson is the big injury news this week. For the starting XI: Zetterstrom, Wilson, Cashin, Forysth, Elder, Osborn, Adams, Jackson, Goudmijn, Mendez-Laing, Yates
Sunderland won 4-1 on their last visit to Derby - what is your score prediction for this time around?
Sunderland are a class above Derby at the moment. We will probably pick up our form at some point, but it won't be in this game. Sunderland run out 3-1 winners.
