INTRODUCTION

The start to the season has been diabolical, I have only really been convinced by the Imps on two different occasions. The first being the Southend game until THAT *coughs*bollocks*coughts penalty decision, we looked good, we looked to be cruising. The 2nd being the space in between both our goals on Saturday in the 3-2 defeat at Scunny. In short, we have been appaling so far but Tuesday sees a very welcome distraction in the form of the Carling Cup. The say that City aren't a force in this competition is a big understatement. We currently hold the uneviable title of, last team to reach the second round. In other words, no other team has gone as long as we have since we last made it to Round 2 in this competition.

City haven't qualified for the second round since 1996/7 when we took Premiership Southampton to a replay after a 2-2 draw at The Dell, since then we have gone out in the first round every single time. Here are our dismall results

1997/8 - Burnley - Lost 3-2 on aggregate

1998/9 - Bradford City - Lost 2-1 on aggregate

1999/2000 - Barnsley - Lost 6-4 on aggregate

2000/1 - Sheffield United - Lost 6-2 on aggregate

2001/2 - Grimsby (away) - Lost 2-1

2002/3 - Stockport (home) - Lost 3-1

2003/4 - Stockport (home) - Lost 1-0

TEAM NEWS FOR THE IMPS

Anything is possible seeing as Keith gave the players a maximum of 2 bad games before they were dropped and to be honest, half the team haven't had 1 good one. The only players we almost guarantee are Marriott and Fletcher with the possibility of Pearson. However, if Keith feels the need, he could rest Marriott and Fletcher for Saturday's home game against Notts County. One player who is expected to make a start is fresh from injury list, Jamie McCombe who turns the game in City's favour on Saturday and really lifted the team.

There are no new injury worries but Morgan is still expected to be out after being forced to sit in the stands on Saturday.

Possible City line-up (right to left)

Raynor

West  Futcher   Weaver   Peat

Toner  McCombe  Gain

Fletcher  Pearson  Littlejohn

DERBY COUNTY

The Rams have made an indifferent start, losing 2 and winning 2. After losing on the first day at Leeds, they were then beat 2-1 by Leicester at home. However a 3-2 win over Ipswich and then a suprise 2-0 win to end QPR's impressive run of home games without defeat has seen them sitting 9th in Division 1.

PREDICTIONS

To be honest, we don't really need this game, we never do well in this competition and the only thing we'll probably get out of this game is a bit of money but that'll be it.

When Derby were drawn out of the hat, I thought it was the 2nd best draw we could have got (behind a home tie with Leeds) but now, I fear the worst at I am yet to be convinced by City and to be honest, if we didn't go out in the first round again, I'd be very suprised.

City 1 Derby 3

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