TEAMtalk

Derby v Middlesbrough preview

Friday 13-April-2012 08:59

Nigel Clough will select from an unchanged squad as Derby look to enhance their play-off credentials with victory over their top-six rivals.

The Rams reported no new injury problems following the 2-0 victory at Leeds on Monday and those same 16 players will again be on duty.

Jamie Ward was a surprise starter at home to Ipswich last Saturday after an eight-match absence with a thigh injury and the diminutive forward managed 78 minutes of the goalless draw before being named on the bench against Leeds.

The Northern Ireland international will be pushing for a recall along with Steven Davies, who scored Derby's second goal at Elland Road after coming on as a substitute.

Midfielders James Bailey and Tom Carroll are also options for Clough, whose team go into the game five points adrift of the play-off places.

Middlesbrough boss Tony Mowbray will once again be without full-back Joe Bennett for the trip.

The 22-year-old will sit out the second instalment of a two-game ban after reaching 10 bookings for the season in the 2-0 home defeat by Cardiff on Saturday.

Midfielder Faris Haroun's hamstring injury continues to be assessed, although he travelled to Hull on Monday after returning to training late last week.

The club's medics are also keeping a close eye on striker Marvin Emnes, who scored his 17th goal of the season in the 2-1 defeat at the KC Stadium, as they attempt to manage a long-standing knee problem.

Skipper Matthew Bates underwent surgery to repair knee ligament damage on April 2 and joined Rhys Williams (ankle ligaments) on the sidelines.