3/1 To Win
Phillip Cocu says Derby County’s full focus is set on aiming to record their first home victory of the season.
Derby return to Sky Bet Championship action at Pride Park Stadium against Birmingham City on Saturday afternoon (3pm kick-off).
Cocu’s side are yet to record a win on home turf so far this term having recorded three draws and a single defeat.
The Derby boss has seen shoots of encouragement in his team’s performances in recent weeks and is keen to build on the recent 1-1 draws against Cardiff City and Leeds United.
The Dutchman has also made it clear that everyone in the Rams’ camp is desperate to get a home win on the board for the club’s supporters.
Cocu told RamsTV: “We want to get win at home for our fans who come and support us for every game.
“It is as important for our supporters as it is for the team to win at home.
“We have had some good games so far this season, but we just haven’t been able to get the result we want.
“All our eyes and focus are on the result that we deserve and need in this home game.”
Derby left it late to claim a point at Championship leaders Leeds United last weekend.
Substitute Chris Martin scored in injury-time to secure a point for the Rams on their travels.
After falling under heavy pressure for the majority of the match, Derby dug deep to remain in the contest.
Cocu now wants his side to build on the positives of the performance at Elland Road.
He said: “It was a great bonus for us to get a point how we did and we believed something was possible.
“We stayed in the game when it was difficult, and it was a great goal by Chris. It was an enormous boost for us and we have to build on it in this home game against Birmingham.
“We have to continue in the way we played in the last 25 minutes last weekend, with energy and dominance on the ball, to try and get the home win we want.”
Martin only returned to the first team fold earlier this month after spending the majority of the last two seasons out on loan.
But after working hard behind-the-scenes, he has forced his way into Cocu’s plans and is knocking on the door to make his first Derby start since December 2017.
Cocu said: “Chris is doing really well. We spoke after the game at Leeds not only about his goal but also his physical development.
“He is feeling a lot better in himself and we will continue to work with him. He is open to do extra sessions to try and get that extra 10-15 per cent more. Chris is one of the options for us on Saturday.”
