Derby County host Birmingham City on Saturday aiming to arrest a run of two straight defeats. The Rams sit 22nd in the Championship with just four points from six games, nine points adrift of leaders West Brom.
Recent struggles
Paul Warne's side have lost their last two matches, falling 1-0 at home to West Brom last weekend and 3-0 away to West Ham the previous Thursday. Their only win in the last five came in a 2-0 victory at Portsmouth on the first of the month. The team has scored five goals but conceded 11 so far this season, leaving them with a negative six goal difference.
Team news and absences
Derby will be without several key players for the visit of Birmingham. Craig Forsyth, Derry Murkin, Matt Clarke and Rhian Brewster are all currently sidelined. The starting lineup from the West Brom defeat featured J. Widell Zetterstrom in goal behind a back four of D. Sanderson, S. Langas, E. Cashin and C. Taylor, with A. Mowatt and D. Ozoh in midfield.
Opponent form
Birmingham arrive at Pride Park having lost 2-1 at Norwich last time out. Their recent form includes draws with Wolves and Southampton, a win at Wrexham and a heavy home loss to Brentford. Their last outing saw a lineup including J. Beadle, B. Osayi-Samuel and J. Stansfield.
The last meeting between these sides at Pride Park ended in a 1-0 victory for Derby back in March. Derby's next assignment is the Championship clash with Birmingham City at Pride Park on Saturday, 12 September.
