Derby striker tips Wolves to be a Championship threat
In contrast to the Nuno revolution under way at Wolves, it’s been more of an evolution for their Midlands counterparts Derby County this summer.
Just three signings have been made so far – although more are likely to follow before the transfer deadline (Blues striker Che Adams and Preston’s Callum Robinson are reported targets) – with experienced centre-half Curtis Davies, Liverpool defender Andre Wisdom and former Rams youngster Tom Huddlestone moving to the iPro.
Out have gone talented midfielder Will Hughes, to Watford, as well as winger Tom Ince, who also moved to the Premier League with Huddersfield Town.
Abdoul Camara (Guingamp) and Cyrus Christie (Middlesbrough) have also departed.
It all means Derby’s line-up will have a familiar feel tomorrow with the likes of Chris Martin, Bradley Johnson, Johnny Russell and Scott Carson still firm fixtures.
Darren Bent, though, is out until Christmas with a hamstring injury.
Another familiar face to Wolves fans will be Andreas Weimann, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Molineux and started Derby’s opening-day draw away at Sunderland.
The iPro hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for Wolves of late.
In fact they’ve conceded 12 goals in their past three visits, losing 5-0 under Kenny Jackett in 2014/15, then 4-2 in 2015/16 and 3-1 at the tail end of last season when Ivan Cavaleiro was sent off.
By the time the game kicks off, it’ll be more than a week since Derby’s last 90 minutes.
They drew 1-1 at the Stadium of Light last Friday and then saw Tuesday’s Carabao Cup tie at Grimsby abandoned after just 19 minutes due to a waterlogged pitch.
Martin has enjoyed games against Wolves in the past, in particular when notching three in two matches in 2015/16.
He believes Wolves can make an impact in the Championship this season – if their new signings gel quickly.
"I've scored a couple (against Wolves)," he said. "We know it;s going to be a tough game – they had a very good start against Middlesbrough
"They've spent a lot of money and signed some top quality players from Europe. It'll be an interesting game – they're an unknown quantity this year.
"Although people know they've signed quality players its how well can they adjust to coming over here. But I think they're going to be a real threat.
"They struggled a bit last year but they've got some really good players. It's just how well they gel.
"Anything can happen in this division."
Rowett, who was sacked by Blues last season and took the Derby job in March, is excited about Derby’s prospects this season.
Speaking before that Sunderland opener, he said: “I am excited of course, massively excited, but I think we forget that we all live in a pressure bubble of wanting to get promoted and do well.
"It is a great job here and to turn up every day and work in these surroundings and facilities, with the players we have, you must embrace and enjoy it.
“You have to see through it to guide the team through the right path.
“It’s going to be a long season and we know that we have to start well. My teams have always started seasons well so I hope that we can continue that.”
Likely line ups
Derby (4-3-3): Carson; Wisdom, Keogh, Davies, Forsyth; Butterfield, Huddlestone, Johnson; Russell, Martin, Weimann.
Wolves (3-4-3): John Ruddy; Batth, Coady, Boly; Doherty, Neves, Saiss, Douglas; Jota, Dicko, Cavaleiro. Subs: Norris, Miranda, Bennett, Edwards, Graham, Enobakhare, Bonatini.
Derby key man: Chris Martin
Experienced 28-year-old striker who Wolves tried to buy last summer before he joined Fulham in a season-long loan deal.
The Scotland international netted 11 times for the Cottagers but is now back with his parent club and looking to realise his Premier League dream. Has a habit of scoring against Wolves too.
Wolves key man: Ivan Cavaleiro
Ivan Cavaleiro has not played a competitive match since... Derby away, of course. Back after his suspension in time to add much-needed creativity.
Memory lane
A 3-2 win for Wolves in April 2009 was unforgettable. Andy Keogh scored two – including a late winner – and Matt Jarvis the other as Wolves came from behind to edge closer to promotion under Mick McCarthy.
