Derby County manager Paul Warne will be glad to return to Championship play after the international break, as the Rams look for their first away win.
Derby have won four of their five matches at Pride Park this season, but their away record has been quite different.
Since their opening-day 3-2 setback to Blackburn Rovers, the Rams have only scored once, and Paul Warne’s side has suffered Championship defeats against Watford, Sheffield United, and Sunderland.
A trip to Millwall, meantime, might be a terrific opportunity to score their first away win, since the Lions have only two wins and are presently 18th with nine points.
Warne will be glad that David Ozoh has returned to Derby training after a hamstring injury, but the 19-year-old isn’t the one receiving the most attention leading into the game.
Sam Parkin praises Jacob Widell Zetterstrom in Millwall vs Derby prediction
Ozoh has been a revelation since joining Derby on loan, as has goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom, who was signed from Djurgardens IF for about £1.4m.
Zetterstrom was one of Derby’s cheap signings this summer, keeping three clean sheets in seven games.
Former Luton striker Sam Parkin has praised the 26-year-old for his contribution to the Rams’ outstanding defensive record, particularly at home.
Parkin predicted a 0-0 draw between Millwall and Derby on Saturday and singled out Zetterstrom for praise.
“I’m going for the shutout here. On the Championship Check-In podcast, Parkin stated, “We’ve obviously waxed lyrical about the Derby goalkeeper.”
“I believe Millwall has surrendered the fewest in the bottom half. I’ll take a 0-0 here. I’ll settle for a 0-0 draw after the international break.
Zetterstrom is Derby’s most important signing
Derby acquired 11 new signings this summer, but the purchase of Zetterstrom is undoubtedly the most significant.
The Rams dismissed Joe Wildsmith, who won the League One Golden Glove previous season, and needed to find a strong replacement.
Zetterstrom, who was previously desired by Wolves, is proving to be an excellent substitute and significant upgrade over Wildsmith.
The Swedish international is a towering presence between the sticks, instilling confidence in the rest of his defenders.
So far in the Championship, Zetterstrom has conceded only 1.1 goals per game, outperforming James Beadle and Viktor Johansson, while making three saves per game (72%).
Zetterstrom’s above figures demonstrate what a fantastic signing he has been and why he will be critical in Derby’s survival bid.
