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Aston Villa will welcome Derby County on Saturday for the last league game of the season at Villa Park. While it looks as if Villa are set for the play-offs, the Rams are fighting to stay in them. To get the lowdown on our visitors, I’ve asked UCFB student Becca (@_Beccaa97).
Why do you think Derby have struggled with consistency this season?
It’s hard to pinpoint an answer to this one. I think it must be some sort of mental block because it happens every season. Although even when we were second in the table before Christmas I think we rode our luck a little bit. The score lines flattered us and even though we were second we weren’t playing particularly well. Since then, I think there have been an increasing amount of individual errors.
If the Rams do go up, will the squad need drastic changes?
Absolutely! We need to inject some youth into the squad. I believe we’ve got the oldest squad on average in the Championship and it has shown in the second half of the season with a decline in pace in our performances.
If you could, which past Derby player would you bring into the starting XI?
Considering Johnny Russell left in January and we have fallen downhill since his departure I would have to say him! We definitely miss his energy, we don’t have a player like him.
Who has been Derby’s standout performer this season?
Despite Matej Vydra’s goals I would have to say Curtis Davies! He has been a consistent performer all season for us, a really solid defender and a great leader for the side. I’m glad to see him wearing the captain’s armband now.
How do you see the Championship season panning out in terms of promotions and relegations?
I can see Fulham clinching an automatic spot alongside Wolves and Villa going up via the play-offs. As for relegation, Burton look down and out alongside Sunderland and I reckon Barnsley will drop too.
Score prediction for Saturday?
2 -1 to Derby County
Words by Harry Trend (@HazaTrand) // Follow us on Twitter (@claretandview)
