davieG Posted 30 September 2005 Posted 30 September 2005 From the RamZone Rams v Leicester Preview By Mick McDermott Date: 30/9/2005 It's strange how this fixture is portrayed as being a local Derby. The distance between the two cities is just over 32 miles. We have the two Notts teams - County and the other one - Mansfield and Chesterfield nearer. The Rams v Leicester City Pride Park Stadium; Sat Oct 1st 3.00pm The nearest geographical team to Leicester is Coventry yet nobody ever calls that a derby. Stoke is only four miles further than Leicester and Derby v Stoke isn't a derby. Even Sheffield with its two teams is only nine miles further on than Leicester. Nor have there been any significant games between the two teams - unless you count that horrible day at Wembley that I've blanked from my mind (a curse upon the name Steve Walsh). Given that this is the biggest game in the East Midlands this year, it doesn't have any of the hallmarks of a classic. Neither team has set the league alight, and both are floundering in the lower half of the Championship. Indeed Leicester's form so far this season must be an embarrassment to Danny Tiatto who early in the season said, "You have to be physically and mentally strong to get out of this division. We have a young side that's full of energy and wants to play in the Premiership." Leicester Boss Craig Levein is hoping to sign Arsenal winger Ryan Smith on loan before Saturday with an option on extending the loan to the end of the season. Other team news is that top scorer Mark de Vries faces a late fitness test and both Paddy McCarthy and Alan Maybury are out through suspension. A possible replacement in any of those positions is the versatile though aging Dion Dublin. It's more likely however that he'll play Joey Gudjonsson alongside David Connolly and Patrik Gerrbrand in defence. Which brings us back to the Rams. 4-5-1 or 4-4-2? Neither seems to work and there may be a case for the 3-4-3 that Derby seemed to be playing in the second half at Elland Road. Supporters who made the trip to Leeds suggest that Peschisolido was playing deep in a pseudo 4-5-1 in the first half - surely a waste of an out and out goal scorer? Other reports suggest that Stern John looked much better than his previous two games (though more cynical fans have suggested Blind Pugh would have looked better). Whatever formation we play and whoever plays up front, we have to sort out the shambles that the goalkeeping and defence have become. There's no doubting that Lee Camp is one of the best young goalkeepers in the country - it's just that at the moment he's playing like someone who's won a `be a goalkeeper for a day' competition. It's hard to fathom why. There seems to be little or no communication between him and the defence, it's obvious the centre halves don't trust him and seeing as we usually have converted midfielders at left back, he doesn't trust the full-backs. The centre halves are another problem. Davies started the season so well but he's rapidly losing the form that had us hoping Middlesbrough wouldn't notice how good he was. Johnson is still more likely to give away a foul as win a tackle. It's all very perplexing. Given that it's common knowledge we can't defend a cross or a set piece, expect Leicester to try and exploit it. If Edworthy is fit he should walk straight back into the team. We should welcome back Idiakez in midfield. A telling comment from a Blades fan last week was that they were relieved to see him playing so deep as it kept him from creating chances at the other end. Phil Brown must be wondering what to do with the twin enigmas of Smith and Bisgaard. Bisgaard in particular has come in for some stick from the fans over his utter inability to keep the ball or pass it in a meaningful way. sounds familiar Team: If we play 4-4-2, I would expect Brown to start with much the same line-up as at Leeds with Idiakez replacing Fadiga. I suspect that he'll go back to 4-5-1 given that he got his fingers burned at Elland Road. He's already stated that he want to stifle the crosses that are proving so costly. I think that a packed midfield may be his plan. Camp, Edworthy, Johnson (M), Davies, Kenna, Idiakez, Johnson (S), Smith, Bisgaard, Bolder, John. I hope I'm wrong. _________________________________________________________________________________ Also current form guide Derby County P6 W0 D3 L3 F7 A11 P3 Leicester P2 W2 D2 L2 F5 A4 P8 They sound as bad as us, so let's hope CL's reads this and goes for the kill - give him a bell Thracian
Ric Flair Posted 30 September 2005 Posted 30 September 2005 It's got all the makings of a 0-0 bore draw. I'm thinking the same, yet again.
Steven Posted 30 September 2005 Posted 30 September 2005 It's got all the makings of a 0-0 bore draw. We will have to pass around the midfield then. For sure any attempt at the hoof will end in a "0-0 bore draw".
lush Posted 30 September 2005 Posted 30 September 2005 It's got all the makings of a 0-0 bore draw. Funny you should say that, because i asked the rams what danger they posed and one says: "Hey we have got Stern John and Dean holdsworth...absolute dynamite so you had better watch out. Yeh and we are good at the back with the pace of Kenna and the strength in the air of johnson...our keepers on fire as well. But best of all our manager is a master tactician and will have sussed you lot out dont worry...yeh an easy three points for us i reckon stern john and holdsworth are old hat now, pace of kenna magic johnson in the air maybe. Manager, WHO??? No real danger from them then, question is will we score.
NFFC Chris Posted 30 September 2005 Posted 30 September 2005 I can see a draw here,which I won't mind at all,because at least the sheep will be dropping 2 points at home! My prediction: Sheep Shaggers 1 Leicester 1
NFFC Chris Posted 30 September 2005 Posted 30 September 2005 OI, nffc, who do you wana beat the most? I want you to beat the sheep the most,but I can smell a draw from where I'm sitting!
lush Posted 30 September 2005 Posted 30 September 2005 Who would you prefer florest to beat the most?
NFFC Chris Posted 30 September 2005 Posted 30 September 2005 Who would you prefer florest to beat the most? The sheep obviously,even though it was sweet beating you at your place last season.We haven't beaten the sheep since 2003
Louise Posted 30 September 2005 Posted 30 September 2005 Can someone tell me why we'd play Joey and Connolly in defence?!?!?!?!?! Even if David was still here Or is he saying we'd play Joey up front with Connolly?
lush Posted 30 September 2005 Posted 30 September 2005 The sheep obviously,even though it was sweet beating you at your place last season.We haven't beaten the sheep since 2003 We were absolutely awful that day, tho it didnt help you playing with bricklayers in goal Who you playing tomorrow, win?
Katy Posted 30 September 2005 Posted 30 September 2005 Its not strange at all thats its labelled a 'derby' its not necessary a local derby but an East Midlands derby. We dont have many teams we are that near to geographically so we claim the nearest ie Coventry, Forest, Derby etc.
Scow Posted 30 September 2005 Posted 30 September 2005 Its not strange at all thats its labelled a 'derby' its not necessary a local derby but an East Midlands derby. We dont have many teams we are that near to geographically so we claim the nearest ie Coventry, Forest, Derby etc. I think it really depends on where you live or have lived. I'm sure Derby fans living in or around Leicester see us as rivals, same with Forest fans.
Fox in a Box Posted 30 September 2005 Posted 30 September 2005 I hate Coventry the most. same here, no infact i hate everyone and everything and myself its your fault, im gonna jump im gonna jump.!!
The People's Hero Posted 30 September 2005 Posted 30 September 2005 Also if you live in the more western parts of Leicestershire and support city, you're more likely to see Coventry as a real local rival than say Forest or Derby, but those living elsewhere in the county may think differently.
shen Posted 30 September 2005 Posted 30 September 2005 Funny you should say that, because i asked the rams what danger they posed and one says: "Hey we have got Stern John and Dean holdsworth...absolute dynamite so you had better watch out. Yeh and we are good at the back with the pace of Kenna and the strength in the air of johnson...our keepers on fire as well. But best of all our manager is a master tactician and will have sussed you lot out dont worry...yeh an easy three points for us i reckon stern john and holdsworth are old hat now, pace of kenna magic johnson in the air maybe. Manager, WHO??? No real danger from them then, question is will we score. Ever heard of sarcasm, lush?
Scow Posted 30 September 2005 Posted 30 September 2005 Ever heard of sarcasm, lush? Evidently not. The village idiot of Foxestalk. To be fair, it's good to take the piss out of.
Thracian Posted 1 October 2005 Posted 1 October 2005 From the RamZone Rams v Leicester Preview By Mick McDermott Date: 30/9/2005 It's strange how this fixture is portrayed as being a local Derby. The distance between the two cities is just over 32 miles. We have the two Notts teams - County and the other one - Mansfield and Chesterfield nearer. The Rams v Leicester City Pride Park Stadium; Sat Oct 1st 3.00pm The nearest geographical team to Leicester is Coventry yet nobody ever calls that a derby. Stoke is only four miles further than Leicester and Derby v Stoke isn't a derby. Even Sheffield with its two teams is only nine miles further on than Leicester. Nor have there been any significant games between the two teams - unless you count that horrible day at Wembley that I've blanked from my mind (a curse upon the name Steve Walsh). Given that this is the biggest game in the East Midlands this year, it doesn't have any of the hallmarks of a classic. Neither team has set the league alight, and both are floundering in the lower half of the Championship. Indeed Leicester's form so far this season must be an embarrassment to Danny Tiatto who early in the season said, "You have to be physically and mentally strong to get out of this division. We have a young side that's full of energy and wants to play in the Premiership." Leicester Boss Craig Levein is hoping to sign Arsenal winger Ryan Smith on loan before Saturday with an option on extending the loan to the end of the season. Other team news is that top scorer Mark de Vries faces a late fitness test and both Paddy McCarthy and Alan Maybury are out through suspension. A possible replacement in any of those positions is the versatile though aging Dion Dublin. It's more likely however that he'll play Joey Gudjonsson alongside David Connolly and Patrik Gerrbrand in defence. Which brings us back to the Rams. 4-5-1 or 4-4-2? Neither seems to work and there may be a case for the 3-4-3 that Derby seemed to be playing in the second half at Elland Road. Supporters who made the trip to Leeds suggest that Peschisolido was playing deep in a pseudo 4-5-1 in the first half - surely a waste of an out and out goal scorer? Other reports suggest that Stern John looked much better than his previous two games (though more cynical fans have suggested Blind Pugh would have looked better). Whatever formation we play and whoever plays up front, we have to sort out the shambles that the goalkeeping and defence have become. There's no doubting that Lee Camp is one of the best young goalkeepers in the country - it's just that at the moment he's playing like someone who's won a `be a goalkeeper for a day' competition. It's hard to fathom why. There seems to be little or no communication between him and the defence, it's obvious the centre halves don't trust him and seeing as we usually have converted midfielders at left back, he doesn't trust the full-backs. The centre halves are another problem. Davies started the season so well but he's rapidly losing the form that had us hoping Middlesbrough wouldn't notice how good he was. Johnson is still more likely to give away a foul as win a tackle. It's all very perplexing. Given that it's common knowledge we can't defend a cross or a set piece, expect Leicester to try and exploit it. If Edworthy is fit he should walk straight back into the team. We should welcome back Idiakez in midfield. A telling comment from a Blades fan last week was that they were relieved to see him playing so deep as it kept him from creating chances at the other end. Phil Brown must be wondering what to do with the twin enigmas of Smith and Bisgaard. Bisgaard in particular has come in for some stick from the fans over his utter inability to keep the ball or pass it in a meaningful way. sounds familiar Team: If we play 4-4-2, I would expect Brown to start with much the same line-up as at Leeds with Idiakez replacing Fadiga. I suspect that he'll go back to 4-5-1 given that he got his fingers burned at Elland Road. He's already stated that he want to stifle the crosses that are proving so costly. I think that a packed midfield may be his plan. Camp, Edworthy, Johnson (M), Davies, Kenna, Idiakez, Johnson (S), Smith, Bisgaard, Bolder, John. I hope I'm wrong. _________________________________________________________________________________ Also current form guide Derby County P6 W0 D3 L3 F7 A11 P3 Leicester P2 W2 D2 L2 F5 A4 P8 They sound as bad as us, so let's hope CL's reads this and goes for the kill - give him a bell Thracian Ha, ha.! If he takes as much notice of me as he has so far Levein'll be going 5-5-0 at Derby (just in case they hit a purple patch). What with Derby's current outlook it'll be doubtful if either side crosses more than 15 yards past the half-way line. Smithy'll probably be guaranteed a game so he'll come on three minutes from time and might get two kicks (one of them on his dodgy knee) and if we chance to go one up Levein'll declare "that's enough - why go chasing any more cos, after all, it is an away game and we're not expected to attack on away games (or win for that matter)." Being away will suit Levein cos cos it'll give him perfect excuse to let his pet dogs Tiatto, Gilbert and Kisnorbo out for a friendly walkies - and leave out lots of the best attacking players "cos we're away and they might not be up to the demands of that sort of pressure". As for the team talk it will be all about central defenders ...."Think about Nils lads, think about Nils". Nils against Wolves, Nils against Brighton yer really settling into it now lads...
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