The Rams are beatable

It has been a little while since the Rams have tasted defeat. It was 17 January to be precise against Nottingham Forest in the local derby match. They can be forgiven for a slip up in that kind of atmosphere and AFCB may be hard pressed to create anything similar. Yet, Derby county have not been as consistent as their fans might have hoped of late and like the Cherries they have dropped points.

Derby have seen a few games slip from their grasp.

It is the away from that interests me as Derby County are great at home but certainly have not had it all their own way when on their travels. Championship promotion chasers Middlesbrough and Brentford have been among those who have been too strong for the Rams when they played them in their home games which gives me some hope that AFCB can do the same. Derby have had some successes though against others in the top six with a good win at Ipswich in January and Watford back in November.

I am not saying it will be an easy task to take the Rams down. Even when Forest and Middlesbrough beat them they had to rely on second half goals to earn the points. Moreover, when they have been beaten they have a habit of bouncing back. Derby are always in games and just like AFCB they have goals all over the pitch. Their new signings of Darren Bent and Tom Ince have started well and will be key danger men for the Cherries to marshal. 

The Cherries target of keeping a clean sheet might be paramount if they are to get a win. Derby have kept clean sheets in three of their last four games and I think this game will be as much about how far AFCB's defence has improved as it is about whether the Cherries strikers are able to put away their chances. My head tells me a score draw, but if there is to be a winner I believe AFCB might just have the edge this time so I am going for 2-1 home win. After all, I'm fed up of all the football pundits who say AFCB can't win this title - maybe tonight they can prove that they are the best. UTCIAD!

Derby Away Form:
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AFCB Home Form:
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