DERBY COUNTY BLOG: Andy Buckley-Taylor looks ahead to the Rams’ clash at Bournemouth

After the home game with Middlesbrough it will be known as the iPro Stadium after securing sponsorship with the sports drink company. I don’t propose to go on about the deal as it’s been reported very well in the press this last week.

I will turn my attentions to today’s away trip at Bournemouth. This is a tricky looking fixture with the south coast side proving to be one of the surprises of the season so far.

Eddie Howe has done a very good job at Dean Court since returning from a spell with Burnley. I myself tipped them for an immediate return to the third tier prior to this season kicking off. How wrong I and many others may be proven?

Derby have a very good away record this season and our only defeats were by a single goal.

John Eustace is available again after his one game ban, but should we drop Kalifa Cisse after his impressive debut against Sheffield Wednesday?

In my opinion, if a team is playing well, don’t keep chopping and changing it! If it’s not broken, don’t try to mend it.

Far too many managers make changes every game. It’s called rotation nowadays, I call this unnecessary act unsettling! If you have to constantly make changes, you are either unsure of your best 11 or you are not confident about their ability to adapt to tactical changes.

It’s quite pleasing that we now not only have competition for playing up front, but also for the holding midfield role. When Whitbread returns from injury there will be some much needed competition for the centre half roles too. Mark O’Brien is expected to add to that in the not too distant future too.

Johnny Russell and Jeff Hendrick are among a clutch of players nearing a return. James Bailey (remember him?) too is being looked at by head coach Steve McClaren once he completes his recuperation.

Increased competition only bodes well for the future. Let’s hope for three points on our trip to the seaside.