Steven Pyefinch - Observer reader I'm feeling fairly positive: we've managed to keep hold of our best players and the core of our team has been together for a while. Anyone can beat anyone in this league but our home form, playing to 30,000 fans, will mean we're safe in the division. But if we improve away performances and the majority of players stay fit there's no reason why we can't finish inside the play-offs. Retaining Kris Commons and Rob Hulse is brilliant: on their day they can be the best strike partnership in the league. Hulse is a good bet for the division's top scorer. The new boys Of the summer signings the Poland U-21 striker from Wigan, Tomasz Cywka, looks the most impressive. And having Dean Leacock back from long-term injury is like a new signing. Men to watch Commons, if he stays fit (even for half the season). If this is to be his last season here (his contract expires at the end of the season) let's hope it's a memorable one. And Shaun Barker is as good a central defender as anyone in this league. Best youngsters The most promising looks to be American forward Conor Doyle. Our last youngster to make a major impact on the first team was Miles Addison but he has been blighted by injury. Target for the boo-boys Thankfully our weakest players left last season (McEveley, Teale and Connolly). Robbie Savage's performances have dipped, though. As captain he should focus on his football rather than his media career. Hate figure I think most Derby fans think it's just a matter of time before Billy Davies shoots his mouth off once too often and gets the sack at Forest. And games against Leeds are always entertaining. Going up Cardiff, Sheffield United, Ipswich When Do We Meet? Previous Positions: Odds Note: Flags indicate national team as has been defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Previous Positions: Odds LeedsMAD Predicti First Flags indicate national team as has been defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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