Derby v Swansea

Last updated : 11 March 2011 By ihayes

Swansea City will assess the fitness of skipper Garry Monk (knee) and midfielder Andrea Orlandi (thigh), who both recently made their comebacks.

Striker Craig Beattie could be restored to the starting line-up.

MATCH PREVIEW

Second-placed Swansea closed the gap on leaders QPR to seven points on Tuesday night, despite Danny Graham's late equaliser meaning City had to settle for a 1-1 draw at home to Watford.

They will look to get back to winning ways against a Derby side that have been struggling badly of late, and are now only three places and six points above the relegation zone. A defeat against fellow strugglers Middlesbrough last time out was another body blow for Nigel Clough's men.

Derby have won only one of their last 12 league matches, and only two of their last 18. And history will not be on their side against Swansea, who have been a bogey side for the East Midlands club.

The Rams have failed to score in three consecutive league matches against City. Their last win against them was in May 1986, and not since the year before that have they recorded a home victory against them.

 

 

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• Swansea have won 19 and Derby 14 of the 39 previous matches between these clubs.

• The Swans are unbeaten in six games against the Rams (W2, D4).

Derby

• Derby have picked up only two points at home since beating Scunthorpe 3-2 on 20 November.

• The Rams have played 38 games this season - fewer than any other Championship club.

• They have lost all 11 league matches in which they were behind at half-time.

Swansea

• A defeat for Swansea would be the club's 1,000th away loss in league football.

• They have kept clean sheets in 15 of their 19 Championship wins this season.

• Mark Gower could make his 100th league appearance for City.

Source: BBC Sport...

Source: BBC Sport