Derby V Bournemouth at The iPro Stadium : Match Preview

21 February 2014 09:31
Derby V Bournemouth - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Double doubt for Derby

Derby will check on Craig Bryson and Jamie Ward ahead of the visit of Bournemouth.


Both players came off with injuries during the 1-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday in midweek, with Bryson suffering a knock on the thigh and Ward feeling his hamstring tighten up.


Jeff Hendrick replaced Bryson after 55 minutes at Hillsborough but on-loan West Brom midfielder George Thorne is also an option for Rams head coach Steve McClaren.


Johnny Russell played the second half against the Owls after Ward was withdrawn at half-time and the Scot would again be the most likely to step into the attack on Saturday.


Bournemouth hope midfielder Eunan O'Kane will be fit enough to play some part.


The former Torquay man has not trained this week but Cherries boss Eddie Howe is keeping his fingers crossed that he will be available to take on the Rams as they look for just their second Championship win of 2014.


Right-back Adam Smith is close to full fitness having not played a league match since October and after coming through 70 minutes of a development friendly last weekend, the former Spurs defender has declared himself ready to feature.


Striker Brett Pitman was on the scoresheet in a friendly against Southampton earlier this week along with Ryan Fraser and the pair hope to have done enough to force their way into contention.


Source: PA