Derby County seeking revenge against lacklustre Leeds

Steve McClaren has urged his Derby County side to push on after their 4-0 Boxing Day victory over Birmingham City. They are odds-on with Coral at 1/2 to defeat Leeds United, and the Rams boss acknowledges the team has had a challenging time recently.

“We had a tough couple of weeks,” said McClaren. “I thought the point against Norwich [City] was a good one.

“It was important we didn’t get beaten in that game and it was important we responded in the Birmingham game and against a team that had lost only once in eight matches. A very good and a very organised team.

“So it was not just a performance but a performance against one of the form teams in the Championship.

“Now we have to take it on. We have got to take advantage on Tuesday [against Leeds]. We showed at Birmingham how we can play.”

Liverpool loanee Jordon Ibe wreaked havoc for the Rams against the Blues, getting on the scoresheet, and is 6/1 to net the opener, while Chris Martin netted his 16th of the season. He is 7/2 to break the deadlock in front of a home crowd that he loves to please. Jamie Ward, meanwhile, who could be in contention for a wide berth, is 9/2 to get the first goal.

Derby lost 2-0 to Leeds earlier in the season, with Mirko Antenucci bagging a brace. The Italian striker is 14/1 to equal or better that accomplishment, though Billy Sharp, who notched against Nottingham Forest, is 11/4 in the anytime market.

Neil Redfearn may recall young Brazilian Adryan, after resting him for the Boxing Day defeat to Wigan Athletic.

“He hasn’t missed much football recently. He’s played a lot,” the Leeds boss said.

“He’s come from a different standard of football and to be honest he’s done really well. But it’s different here. It’s a tough and unforgiving league. Against Fulham and Forest I saw it. He looked a little bit leggy, a little bit tired.