Pressure is mounting on Cocu as Derby chase just their second win of the season against QPR.

Philip Cocu’s Derby have dropped six points from leading positions in their last three games, albeit a small unbeaten run, and they must become more clinical if they’re to move out of the relegation zone this evening.

Performances are slowly but surely starting to improve again for Derby this season, but sitting in 22nd place after nine games is not good enough for a club with such quality on their books.

There are, of course, positives to be taken from this unbeaten run, especially the fact that Graeme Shinnie and Jason Knight have formed a strong partnership in the middle of the park. Knight’s tenacity combined with Shinnie’s aggressive presence on the pitch provides a fantastic pairing for Cocu to utilise, almost begging the question ‘where does Rooney fit in?’. A question no one saw coming at the start of the season.

QPR haven’t exactly hit the ground running either. The R’s sit just four places above Derby in 18th place and recorded their second win of the season in their last fixture against Cardiff, a 3-2 win proved their goal scoring capabilities following a run of four games without a goal.

Mark Warburton’s side will be hoping to put an end to their poor record at Pride Park this evening. They haven’t won there since 2009, surely sparking a bit of incentive for the QPR squad to really take their A-game to Derby at their home ground.

The R’s could reach 11th place tonight, steering them further away from the relegation zone that Derby are yet to escape. It’s truly anyone’s game in the East Midlands tonight.

Team News

Cocu will be over the moon to have Kamil Jozwiak back and available for the first team, after the Polish international picked up an injury against Cardiff last week and missed the Bournemouth clash as a result.

Jordon Ibe is still unavailable as he works his way back to full match fitness with the U23’s. It’s also too soon for George Evans who’ll feature once more for the U23’s before being thrown back into the fold.

Krystian Bielik is also in line to make his return. The midfielder, who can also play in defence, was on the bench against Bournemouth after a lengthy absence, but is yet to feature for the first team since becoming injured.

As for QPR, Warburton will be pleased to have Rob Dickie back at his disposal following his suspension picked up against Barnsley.

There are no fresh injury concerns for Rangers, likely ensuring a lack of changes to the starting eleven that beat Cardiff.

Cocu on the Rams’ recent performances.

“The only thing the lads need to do now for their performances is getting a victory. They deserve better results. I think after the first three games, they have straightened their backs and put on some really decent performances.”

“We have been more creative and got more shots on goal, but we need to make sure we get three points. With back-to-back home games, we need to make sure we get the wins that we need.”

Warburton on the threat Derby pose.

“They are a very talented squad. They played Lawrence, Waghorn and Rooney previously, they’ve got a good midfield, they’ve got pace on the flanks, experienced defensively and a good goalkeeper.”

“They are a very strong squad and I have got no doubts that they are in a false position. This is another very tough test.”

“I know they are a very strong squad and their manager will have them well organised. I have enormous respect for Phillip. We know what we face but we are a good team ourselves.”