Andy Buckley-Taylor’s Derby County blog: Sheffield Wednesday trip is ideal chance to make up some ground

This weekend saw the Rams without a fixture due to the latest round of the FA Cup taking place. However, it did see promotion rivals Burnley and QPR in league action and they both dropped points.

We travel to Sheffield Wednesday next and it is a golden opportunity to make some ground on those clubs.

Sheffield Wednesday have of late shown some better form and the game could well prove to be a tightly fought one.

I’d expect Steve McClaren to name the same side that beat QPR, injuries allowing. Jamie Ward limped off in that game. If he’s not fit, Simon Dawkins could come in or indeed Johnny Russell who looked good when he replaced Ward in that game.

Recent weeks have seen great improvement from Craig Bryson and the QPR game saw a much better performance from the back four. This was against a big spending side that were pre-season favourites to return to the Premier League at the first attempt.

Jake Buxton has been an unsung hero. The man has been in great form this season and is probably a decent bet for player of the season.

Sheffield Wednesday is one of my favourite away trips. Back in the days before all seater stadiums, the roar from the Kop at Hillsborough was quite something all fans should experience.

Let’s hope that it’s from the other side of the ground that the celebrations are Tuesday night.