Preview: Bolton Wanderers v Frank Lampard’s Derby County

In news that passed me by, it appears that little old Derby County have had a rebrand this week. After beating down-on-their-luck Manchester United in the Carling Cup this week, what was once a proud name has since become another corporate vehicle.

In case you hadn’t realised, Derby County are now and forevermore to be known as Frank Lampard’s Derby County until such a time as the media get their wish and he is appointed as the new Chelsea manager.

I would normally give them all the credit in the world for beating United, but let’s face it, these days it doesn’t really take much. That said, during their cup win they showed the sort of attacking style and verve that we did about 20 years ago, which made me sad.

Under Lampard, Derby have gone from being there-and-thereabouts in terms of promotion to the Premier League to.....erm......there-and-thereabouts in terms of promotion to the Premier League. Whoopydoo.

The former West Ham and Manchester City man has spent an absolute fortune on new players since being appointed to the job in the summer. Notable names include Florian Jozefzoon from Brentford, Martyn Waghorn from Ipswich Town and Jack Marriott from Peterborough United.

Their main men, however, are the loan pair of Mason Mount and Harry Wilson, from Chelsea and Liverpool respectively. They ripped United to shreds midweek - big deal - but have looked very good in this early season phase. Frank Lampard’s Derby County have several loanees on their books, with Fikayo Tomori being another from Chelsea, this time at the heart of their defence.

Frank Lampard’s Derby County still have the weak underbelly that his predecessors have had to contend with. Richard Keogh, a man who looks like he has just been told that his wife has run off with his brother, is the main culprit:

Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

I hope that he is playing at weekend. He’s rubbish.

With an attack spearheaded by David Nugent - often linked to Bolton Wanderers - Frank Lampard’s Derby County has a strikeforce which will likely be licking their lips in anticipation of tomorrow’s game. Nugent, Mount, Wilson and Tom Lawrence will surely be desperate to test themselves against a Wanderers backline which has failed thus far to inspire much confidence.

One can only hope that our midfield - in whatever combination Parkinson decides - can cope with what is a vibrant, youthful and attacking Derby side.

It’s going to be tough. Possibly our toughest game of the season. I’m worried.

COYW