Ex – Preston boss Billy Davies and his Premier League new boys stand between Pool and a place in the third round.
Derby boss Billy Davies is under no illusions as to how difficult tonight’s game will be. Speaking to Derby County’s official website, Davies explained: ‘It is a very difficult game, so we’ve got to be on the front foot and be ready to take on this challenge’.
Meanwhile, Simon Grayson admitted to Blackpool’s Official website that injuries to Hoolahan, Taylor – Fletcher and Burgess may dictate what changes he can make to his side. ‘It may be I may not be able to make the changes I would have liked because we only have a small squad’, Grayson explained.
Tyrone Mears and Giles Barnes miss the game due to injury. Elsewhere Darren Moore may replace Claude Davis who was injured at the weekend. Former PNE midfielder David Jones could start for the Rams.
Rob Earnshaw: The buck toothed Welsh international should start for the Rams tonight after coming off the bench in Saturday’s reverse at home to Birmingham. His pace will ensure Gorkss and co are kept busy tonight.
The Tangerine trio of Wes Hoolahan, Gary Taylor – Fletcher and Ben Burgess all picked up niggles in the defeat at Wolves on Saturday. This should pave the way for starting places for Jorgensen, Vernon and Hills. Grayson could rest skipper Michael Jackson, who has played every minute of Pool’s games so far, and bring back fit again Ian Evatt.
Claus Jorgensen: The former Faroe Island international will make his first start of the season tonight. His cameo appearance at Wolves included setting up David Fox for ‘that’ chance, and Jorgensen will hope to pull the strings for Pool on the wide open areas of the Pride Park playing surface.
The last meeting between the two sides came way back in the 1985/86 season when Andy Garner scored the only goal at Bloomfield Road in the Old Division Three.
Mr Miller will officiate the Seasiders’ for the first time this season.
Derby 1 – 2 Blackpool
Earnshaw Vernon,Gorkss
Monday Sept 3rd
Blackpool v Hull