
Five defeats in a row in all competitions heading into this one, the Derby fans aren't exactly confident of picking up a result at Pride Park! We spoke to the lads from the RamsTalk Podcast to discuss their season...
Currently sat in 19th place in your return to the Championship, what's been the story of your season so far?
Inconsistency, and a lack of goals. We started off so well, but injuries to key players and a bit of a mentality issue has caused us to steadily drop down the Championship table, compounded by just one away win all season. Thankfully, even though results haven’t improved, performances have, and we look like a team that wants to win again.
Jerry Yates is your top scorer with six goals, what kind of player is he?
He’s a bit of a hybrid between a number 9 and a 10. He’s good technically, links up well with those around him, but he’s not the lone striker he’s being forced to be. Got a great finish in him though, his overhead kick against Plymouth was a highlight.
Other than Yates who are some of your best players?
Ebou Adams adds presence to our midfield, Kane Wilson is a threat from right back, and Kenzo Goudmijn is a clever midfielder with an eye for a pass. Zetterstrom in goal has been impressive too. Our best player by far is centre back Eiran Cashin, who has returned to training recently and played the full 90 against Watford at the weekend.
In other squad news, Curtis Nelson is out for the season after doing his ACL. He has played every minute of every league game since joining the Rams in the summer of 2023. So we'll be weak at centre half, with Nat Phillips not yet confirmed fit either...
What are your thoughts on Paul Warne in the dugout?
Mixed feelings. He’s done a good job on a low budget, however there’s times this season where it’s felt like we’ve gone into games believing we’ve either drawn/lost before a ball is kicked. Against Plymouth at home we created 0 “big chances”, I think that sums it up a bit.
Have you done any January business already? Where do you guys need to strengthen?
We needed an out and out number 9, and we’ve got one in Lars Salvesen. He sored 12 goals in 27 games in Norway in 2024, so hopefully he can give us something we’ve been missing. We need depth in midfield too, we’ll see if it happens.
Which Sunderland player worries you the most?
A bit of an unusual one, but it's Trai Hume. Derby can be so open down the left at times, so his overlaps down the right will cause us no end of issues. Obviously Bellingham too, but I’m sure everyone says that.
What's your score prediction for the game? And goalscorers?
At home Derby have a chance against anyone, so I’ll go for an optimistic 1-1. Isidor to open the scoring (he'll be desperate to bounce back after that double pen miss) before Salvesen buries his first for the Rams to equalise late on.
In the reverse fixture, you said Sunderland would be 'either in the top two or not far behind it', with Derby comfortable in 15th. Do you wanna change that at all or stick with your prediction?
I still stick by both predictions. I think Sunderland have proven they’re up there for a reason, whilst Derby definitely have enough to be clear of the bottom three (I hope!).
Finally, where's the best place in Derby for the travelling fans to have a pint?
The Harvester near the ground is the away pub, it’s nice enough. If you want to explore a bit more there’s loads in Derby city centre. I’d just avoid the Neptune and the White Horse, they might not be so welcoming.