[h=3]Derby boss expecting tight test with Albion[/h]10:14am Monday 5th May 2014 in Sport By Andy Naylor
Steve McClaren thinks the play-offs will be tight against Albion
Derby head coach Steve McClaren has predicted another close battle with Albion in the play-offs.
The Rams won won 2-1 at the Amex in August in Oscar Garcia's first home league game in charge of the Seagulls, thanks to Chris Martin’s two goals.
Nigel Clough was Derby's manager at that stage and a late strike from Patrick Bamford secured a 1-0 win for Derby in the return at the iPro Stadium in January to complete the double over Albion.
McClaren knows those results will count for nothing in the next two clashes with the Seagulls, at the Amex on Thursday (7.45pm) and in the East Midlands on Sunday (5.15pm).
He told the Derby Telegraph: "They will be tough, difficult games. Brighton are strong at home and good away.
"What a performance and result it was for them at Nottingham Forest on Saturday to get in the play-offs.
"They must be on an emotional high right now. They will be buzzing and so we have to make sure we take that into account.
"We are on a good run but it is about what happens on the day."
Derby head into the play-offs on a six-match unbeaten sequence, two fewer than Albion.
County are asking their supporters for suggestions for music for the second leg. Albion fans will be situated in the South-East corner of the iPro Stadium.
Original article
Derby head coach Steve McClaren has predicted another close battle with Albion in the play-offs.
The Rams won won 2-1 at the Amex in August in Oscar Garcia's first home league game in charge of the Seagulls, thanks to Chris Martin’s two goals.
Nigel Clough was Derby's manager at that stage and a late strike from Patrick Bamford secured a 1-0 win for Derby in the return at the iPro Stadium in January to complete the double over Albion.
McClaren knows those results will count for nothing in the next two clashes with the Seagulls, at the Amex on Thursday (7.45pm) and in the East Midlands on Sunday (5.15pm).
He told the Derby Telegraph: "They will be tough, difficult games. Brighton are strong at home and good away.
"What a performance and result it was for them at Nottingham Forest on Saturday to get in the play-offs.
"They must be on an emotional high right now. They will be buzzing and so we have to make sure we take that into account.
"We are on a good run but it is about what happens on the day."
Derby head into the play-offs on a six-match unbeaten sequence, two fewer than Albion.
County are asking their supporters for suggestions for music for the second leg. Albion fans will be situated in the South-East corner of the iPro Stadium.
Original article