After the Rams’ tense home victory over Reading last week, high-flying West Bromwich Albion visit Pride Park Stadium on Saturday 5^th December, no doubt aiming to avenge their bitter memories of Wembley 2007.

It’s the first meeting between the Rams and the Baggies since Derby’s play-off final victory, and Albion are once again the side most fancied to win. They are undefeated in five games and have already scored 39 Championship goals in the league.

Derby’s home form is keeping them just above water, but the Rams will need to show true Wembley–style resolution to hold Albion; they’re free-scoring travellers.

Nigel Clough may even have the luxury of naming an unchanged team for the game, with the possibility of striker Chris Porter returning to squad duty, albeit on the bench.

Support for Rob Hulse upfront has been patchy until the arrival of Paul Dickov, and fans will hope that the productive partnership will continue to bear fruit against Albion. The untried loanee D.J. Campbell is another option for Clough.

The Rams’ midfielders must become more productive against Albion, in order to keep the pressure on. In turn, this should reduce the potential threat of Albion’s strikers against Derby’s overworked defenders.

Stephen Pearson, Derby’s Wembley hero, seems to be up for this challenge. If he maintains his fitness and can finally turn his canny forward runs into goals and assists, he can play an important part for Derby in the second half of the season. What price a rare goal from him tomorrow?

Before the game, you can visit the RamsTrust Rendezvous between 11.00 am and 2.30 pm in the foyer of the DW Soccerdome opposite the stadium. We have a fair spread of Rams merchandise, with many books at special discount and official Derby DVDs on double-deals. You can go for a hat-trick in there before the game – a pint, a pie and a present (or two); a really neat time-saver for you Derby diehards!

Another 30 unwanted Rams-QPR T-shirts were collected for our charity appeal before last week’s home game, so further thanks are due for your support. We’ll still take ‘em in if you bring them to us before we take our own seats at the game.

We’ll have The Ram match day programme as usual; it’s always a good pre-match read, but be quick – we’re usually sold out by 2:30 and another big gate beckons.

No apologies for reminding fans also to check out Kev Moore’s great CD of Rams songs, not forgetting the associated high-quality Rams prints devised by Kev’s partner Miki, exclusive to RamsTrust and published in a limited edition run of 125 copies. The new Rams Heritage tee shirts are now available, with four designs including a classic Clough – Taylor print and the “Derby” registration plate design.

Another squeaky-tight win against the in-form Albion will do us fine – see you there!

Dave & Paul Mortimer