BIG MONEY MAN: THREE players currently share that honour as Jim Smith tries to keep pace with the rest of the Premiership. Promising England under 21 midfielder Seth Johnson, Croatian-born Belgium striker Branko Strupar and former Celtic star Craig Burley all cost the Rams £3 million. LAST SIX RESULTS:

Manchester City (h) drew 1-1

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Middlesbrough (a) lost 4-0

West Brom (h) FA Cup won 3-2

Everton (h) won 1-0

Burton SEASON SO FAR: The Rams' 1-0 win over Sunderland at the weekend was a massive result after a couple of defeats had plunged them back into relegation trouble MANAGER: Jim Smith isn't ready to be pensioned off just yet as he faces a battle to keep Derby in the Premiership.

Now in his sixth season with the Rams, the former Rovers and Newcastle boss is one of the most experienced managers in the game.

But a lack of spending power, compared to some of his rivals, has left the wily campaigner faces a continuous uphill struggle to retain top-flight status. TOP SCORER: Pint-sized striker Malcolm Christie was plucked from non-League obscurity by Smith and the former Nuneaton Borough striker has spectacularly repaid the faith.

He has 10 goals to his name so far from his first full season in the top flight. PREDICTED LINE-UP: Smith had to err on the side of caution in the original tie at Ewood with over half a dozen players missing due to a combination of factors.

However, the Rams should be a lot closer to full strength tonight and that should be reflected by more adventurous tactics. ONE TO WATCH: Nigerian centre back Taribo West has made a massive impact since his arrival from Italy.

Cool and composed at the back, his unflappable approach has helped to haul the Rams ot of the bottom three. DID YOU KNOW? Jim Smith is one of only three managers to have been in charge for more than 1,000 League games. He and Brian Clough were recently joined by Watford's Graham Taylor.