Derby v Birmingham preview

Rams aim to continue revival against Blues

Last updated: 30th September 2008

Derby v Birmingham preview

Commons: Set to return

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Revitalised Derby welcome Birmingham to Pride Park in a battle between two of the sides relegated from the Premier League last season.

Derby boss Paul Jewell is unlikely to make wholesale changes to his squad from the side that beat Queens Park Rangers at the weekend.

The Rams remain unbeaten in their last four matches, drawing two and winning two, following a winless run which stretched back to 2007.

Midfielder Kris Commons, who has recovered from a hamstring problem will battle it out with Stephen Pearson for a starting berth against the Blues.

Striker Nathan Ellington was the surprise inclusion in the Rams' 2-0 victory against QPR on Saturday but after failing to find the net, Emanuel Villa could return to the first team alongside Rob Hulse.

Defender Lewin Nyatanga could be in line for a return to the first XI in place of Dean Leacock but fellow defender Jay McEveley will definitely be missing following his one-month loan move to Preston on Monday.

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Alex McLeish could shuffle his pack in a bid to keep his side fresh.

With three games in the space of a week, the Blues boss could use Kevin Phillips, Garry O'Connor or Marcus Bent up front despite James McFadden and Cameron Jerome both impressing of late.

Battling midfielder Mehdi Nafti returns from his three-match ban although McLeish may be reluctant to change things around too much after Saturday's impressive 2-1 win at Cardiff.

Second-choice goalkeeper Colin Doyle will remain on the bench after making his return at Ninian Park from minor knee surgery, while Stuart Parnaby and Radhi Jaidi should both continue in defence.

Midfielder Damien Johnson (back) remains out while defender Stephen Kelly (thigh) is also sidelined for another three weeks.