The old saying ‘It never rains but it pours’ could not be more applicable to Derby as following their 6-1 mauling at the hands of Chelsea, Paul Jewell’s doomed side must host Premier League top scorers Manchester United on Saturday.

There has been precious little pride at Pride Park this season as The Rams have still not won a game under Jewell and lie marooned on just ten measly points at the bottom of the table after a season of embarrassing proportions.

Statistics can be illuminating but facts such as Manchester United have only won two of their six Premier League trips to Derby are misleading: This is one of the biggest mismatches of any season in any league.

It would perhaps be unfair to suggest that United’s Premier League record 9-0 win over Ipswich is in danger, but for Derby’s tremendous fans even a goal will be seen as a minor victory in the context of a campaign that started poorly, and only got worse.

If United do take all three points then they will overtake Arsenal at the top of the table before The Gunners play Middlesbrough at Emirates Stadium later in the day. Worryingly for those in North London, United have won The Premier League in every season that they have won at Derby.

Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to hand a first team debut to Ben Foster after his return to fitness as Tomasz Kuszczak is suspended and Edwin van der Sar injured after the disappointing FA Cup defeat to Portsmouth last weekend.

Derby are without long term injury victims Giles Barnes (knee), Danny Mills (knee), Claude Davis (knee) and Tyrone Mears (calf).

Prediction: 0-5