AFC Bournemouth - Derby County preview - Same again for Cherries

Posted Tuesday, February 10, 2015 by PA

Bournemouth look likely to name an unchanged line-up for their table-topping clash with Derby at Dean Court.

The Cherries, top of the division on goal difference, have no injury worries and were able to add Tokelo Rantie to their squad for the 3-1 win at Wigan after his return from the African Cup of Nations.

Strike pair Callum Wilson and Yann Kermorgant scored the goals that put the Latics to the sword so Rantie, along with Brett Pitman, will have to wait for their chance in the Cherries line-up.

Baily Cargill and Eunan O'Kane remain on the sidelines.

Derby travel to the south coast with no new problems to worry about.

Raul Albentosa will remain on the sidelines. The Spanish defender is still struggling with a nerve problem that is effecting his back and hamstrings. He has been absent from the squad in the last two matches.

George Thorne and Johnny Russell (hamstring) are also still out. Thorne is due to play 90 minutes for the Rams Under-21 team on Wednesday as he continues to build his match fitness following a serious knee injury, while Russell should be back running on grass sometime this week.

Steve McClaren's men remain firmly on the coat tails of Bournemouth after Saturday's 4-1 win over Bolton. The Derby head coach must decide if he sticks with the same starting line up or makes changes against the Cherries. Any changes are likely to be minimal but the likes of Jesse Lingard, Craig Bryson, Simon Dawkins, Darren Bent and Cyrus Christie provide good options for McClaren.