GUY Ipoua’s first goal in nine games against Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday looks certain to give him the nod over Mamady Sidibe in Saturday’s starting line-up as Gillingham make their debut at Derby’s impressive Pride Park Stadium.

Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler is expected to announce an unchanged side as striker Rod Wallace has still not fully recovered from a hamstring strain.

Fellow striker Tommy Johnson, who is nursing a foot injury, is still two weeks away from recovering full fitness.

Hessenthaler has vowed to keep his players focused on League matters as Leeds United and FA Cup fever threatened to overwhelm the minds of everyone at Priestfield.

Gillingham go to injury-hit Derby on with a better than average chance of registering a sixth away win to re-establish their credentials as serious candidates for the play-offs. Last season the club won six on the road and this term only leaders Portsmouth (eight) and Sheffield United (seven) have done better on their travels.

Derby, who have lost four of their last five games, could be without as many as four of their best players with both their outstanding centre-backs, Danny Higginbotham and Chris Riggott, doubtful along with midfielders Craig Burley and Robert Lee.