Derby v West Ham preview

Victory for Rams can lift them out of relegation zone

By James Dall   Last updated: 9th November 2007

Miller Kenny2

Miller: Injury concern

skysports.com prediction: Derby 1 West Ham 1

Player to watch: Giles Barnes

Sky Bet odds: Derby 11/5 Draw 9/4 West Ham 5/4

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A victory prior to the international break would do much to inject hope into lowly Derby County, who host West Ham United in Saturday's only 3pm kick-off.

The Rams' current concern lies in their distinct limpness in attack, having scored just five goals in 12 Premier League matches.

Their defence has done little to fill Derby supporters with confidence either, as they hold the joint poorest defensive record in the league with Reading - conceding 26 goals in 12.

However, it is not all doom and gloom for Billy Davies' men; three points against West Ham would see them climb out of the relegation zone for the first time since the opening week of the season.

For The Hammers, Alan Curbishley will be keen to improve on some steady form - one win and two draws in their previous three games.

Curbishley, though, is without several players and his depleted squad may provide Derby with the opportunity they so desperately require.

Miller worry

Davies is sweating on the fitness of Kenny Miller, who sat out the loss to Aston Villa with a hamstring strain.

Miller's goal against Bolton in September was the last time The Rams hit the back of the net, and Davies will be keeping his fingers crossed that the Scotland international will be at his disposal.

Furthermore, Claude Davis is struggling with an abductor muscle problem and is rated as 50-50, while Andy Todd is doubtful after a midweek visit to a spinal specialist.

West Ham woes

Curbishley's seemingly endless list of injuries includes Kieron Dyer, Scott Parker, Julien Faubert, Craig Bellamy and Bobby Zamora.

The Hammers coach was dealt a further blow with the news that Mark Noble faces two weeks on the sidelines following his hernia operation.

However, the recovering trio of Dean Ashton, Freddie Ljungberg and James Collins could feature after returning to training.