Preview: Derby vs Leicester

Leicester make the short trip to Pride Park aiming to pile yet more misery on struggling Derby.

The Rams have won only one of their last 11 matches in the Championship, losing eight of them in the process.

A blistering start to the season has been marred by a dismal run in the league which has seen Nigel Clough's side slip to 17th in the division table.

Clough himself is enduring a torrid time at Pride Park, and has come under regular criticism from several angles.

The former Burton Albion chief was furious after seeing his side surrender three points at Portsmouth, blasting striker Tomasz Cywka in the aftermath of the clash.

And the Rams boss knows he had his work cut out against a Leicester side who have won five of their last six and are looking good value for a play-off spot.

The Foxes brushed aside Barnsley last weekend, but know they must continue their useful run of form if they are to continue their promotion aspirations.

Sven-Goran Eriksson's side will be keen to avenge last season's dreary 1-0 defeat at Pride Park last campaign, nobody more so than goalkeeper Chris Weale, whose catastrophic error cost City a point.

Leicester manager Sven-Goran Eriksson: 'I don't know if it is ever a good time to meet them. They will be aggressive and they will do everything they can to make life difficult for us, for sure.

'They have not been on a good run but they are dangerous, very dangerous. It will be a difficult game. It is a local derby, so it is a big game and important for both of us.'

Centre-back Dean Leacock is available after serving his suspension, but may have to wait to shift Shaun Barker and Miles Addison at the heart of defence.

Clough's strong words last weekend make it unlikely for Tomasz Cywka to start, meaning on-loan Spanish striker Alberto Bueno should get his opportunity to impress.

Had it not been for injuries, Addison's career could well have spiralled to the Premier League.

The burly 22-year-old can play at defensive midfielder or at the heart of defence, and should prove a difficult obstacle to overcome for Leicester's front three.

Benfica loanee Miguel Vitor is fit once again after recovering from a hamstring injury, but looks like he will settle for a place on the bench.

Fellow centre-back Sol Bamba will pair with Ben Mee at the back after overcoming a minor foot injury.

Midfielder Matt Oakley could start against his former side in place of Yuki Abe.

The Championship player of the month for January has enjoyed a superb season for the Foxes, proving his importance to the side once again with a string of fine performances.

Wellens pulls the strings in midfield for City, and will be keen to continue providing for the likes of Yakubu up top for the Foxes.

- Leicester are yet to lose in 2011.

- The Foxes have had 199 shots on target in the Championship this season.

- Derby have won only 6 of their 14 home matches.

- The Rams have picked up just a point from their last five fixtures at Pride Park.

Colin Webster (Tyne & Wear)

Matches: 47
Yellows: 47
Reds: 3

Foxes to make it six in seven.... just. Derby 0-1 Leicester.

Friday 18th February:

Bristol City (H)

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