Cardiff City Must Face 'Different' Derby County

Cardiff City will play one of our fixtures in hand tonight when Derby County visit Ninian Park to play the postponed fixture from January.


Back then Derby were languishing in the lower reaches of the Championship, looking in distinct danger of relegation. Their situation, despite being one of the favourites for promotion, led to the departure of manager Paul Jewell and installment of Nigel Clough as the new boss.


The match against The Bluebirds was due to be Clough's first in charge but the cold weather put paid to that Saturday fixture and we gained a game in hand on most of our rivals instead.


However, since then Derby County have posted somewhat of a revival under the stewardship of Clough. Several Rams players have praised their new boss claiming to have re-discovereed their enjoyment of the game and results have improved.


The Rams are not yet safe from the threat of relegation after failing to convert draws into wins of late. Nevertheless they sit in 17th place a full 6 points above the drop zone and with games in hand on all those around them. In recent games they have thrashed the likes of Plymouth and Blackpool whilst picking up creditable draws against the likes of Bristol City and Swansea City. Tonight's game will be no picnic for Cardiff City and this Derby side are surely capable of competing for a play-off place under the right stewardship.A win tonight would see them comfortably in mid-table and Cardiff City will have to be at their best to win.

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