3/1 To Win
Gary Rowett has backed his Derby County side to find the consistency that has been missing in previous seasons as they look to bounce back against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday.
The Rams had been on a seven-game unbeaten run before the defeat against Reading prior to the international break, and Rowett wants to avoid the sort of inconsistent form that has affected the club’s progress in recent years.
Speaking to RamsTV ahead of the trip to West London, he said: “Over the years, Derby County have had some great periods, which is then followed by a very poor one.
“I can see a more consistent edge to us now, that doesn’t mean that we’re not going to have a poor result from time to time, but hopefully the consistency will keep us in and around the top six, which is what we want.
“We have to think long-term, we can’t let the odd little bump affect where we’re trying to go and what we’re trying to achieve.
“We want to be in contention with 10 games to go, that’s the challenge, that’s where we want to be and we have to keep building, we can’t let a good run affect the way we do things.”
The Derby boss expects Saturday’s opponents Fulham to approach the game in the same style that Reading did at Pride Park Stadium, and he whilst he is wary of the threat, Rowett wants his side to take the game to the Cottagers.
He added: “The Reading game was probably ideal preparation, because they’re very similar to Fulham. They move the ball around very well, they retain possession, especially from the goalkeeper.
“Regardless of the scenario, they’re still a very good side that are capable of beating any team on their day so we’ll make sure that we give that message to the players.
“I think that this group of players need to feel that the plan is based around them and how we can impose our game on the opposition.
“You have to do the defensive work or else any team in this league can cut you open and score goals. Every team has good players, so that’s the challenge.”
