Derby County can secure five wins on the bounce if they overcome Blackpool in their Championship clash at Pride Park.

Head coach Steve McClaren has guided the Rams to fourth in the league table, but despite their positive run, they will be unable to go above Burnley in third with a win due to the five-point gap.

It could prove to be a crucial clash this weekend as both sides have the same points, but Paul Ince's Seasiders reside two places below in sixth.

With Derby, Blackpool and Reading all level in the standings and sitting in the playoff places with just a two-point advantage on their opponents below, every point is vital.

Saturday's visitors are under pressure to respond following Ince's public criticism of defenders Kirk Broadfoot and Gary Mackenzie, who were both sent off for second bookable offences in Blackpool's 1-0 defeat to Yeovil Town.

Depending on Reading's result this weekend, Blackpool could move ahead of Derby County in fourth as they try to keep themselves in the playoff places as the hectic Christmas schedule approaches.

Recent form

Derby County: DLWWWW

Blackpool: DWLDWL

Possible starting lineups

Derby County: Grant; Wisdom, Keogh, Buxton, Forsyth; Eustace, Hughes, Bryson, Ward; Dawkins, Martin

Blackpool: Gilks; Basham, Cathcart, Blackett, Robinson; Osbourne, Gosling, Dobbie, Bishop, Ince; Fuller

Sports Mole says: 2-1

Written by
Danielle Joynson

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