Derby v Sheff Wed preview

Jewell waits on duo, Smith back for Owls

Last updated: 14th November 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Derby v Sheff Wed preview

Jewell: Injury concerns

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Martin Albrechtsen and Dean Leacock are doubtful for Derby, while Jimmy Smith is available for Sheffield Wednesday.

Derby are just one point behind Sheffield Wednesday in mid-table and both sides will be looking to push on towards the play-off places.

Rams boss Paul Jewell has doubts over the fitness of strikers Rob Hulse and Emanuel Villa, while first-choice centre-back pairing Albrechtsen and Leacock both missed the midweek Carling Cup victory over Leeds.

Albrechtsen (calf) limped off in the second half of the defeat at Reading while Leacock suffered the same injury in last week's cup tie at Brighton.

Claude Davis and Lewin Nyatanga are likely to remain at the heart of County's defence, although Miles Addison will be pushing them for a place after missing the Leeds game with a one-match ban.

Villa took a knock on the calf against Leeds while Hulse is still carrying a rib problem despite his recent appearances.

On-loan Arsenal winger Nacer Barazite returns to contention after he was ineligible to play in the Carling Cup.

Owls news

Wednesday midfielder Smith, on loan from Chelsea, was sent off at Birmingham last month and banned for four matches.

He has now served his suspension and could be brought straight back into the Owls side.

Manager Brian Laws has no new injury or suspension problems. The Hillsborough treatment room is just about empty, with only long-term absentee Richard Hinds (broken leg) unavailable.

Laws is unlikely to make too many changes from the side that beat Doncaster last week.

Akpo Sodje is pushing for a place in the starting line-up, but Laws is expected to retain in-form Leon Clarke up front alongside Marcus Tudgay.

Jermaine Johnson is hoping to return on the wing, while Laws must choose between on-loan pair Lewis Buxton and Tony McMahon at right-back.