Rooney to make 500th English league appearance as Derby host Fulham

That could so easily have been an own goal gifted to Fulham.

Joe Bryan gets away on the left and his cross so nearly sees the retreating Matt Clarke turns the ball into his own net from about six yards. It was a horrible cross to deal with but he just about managed it.

Stefan Johansen strides purposefully forward and shoots from 25 yards but it’s daisy-cutter lacking any sort of venom and is easy for Ben Hamer in the Derby goal.

That’s just the second attempt on target by Fulham. Neither were in any danger of going in.

Just to confirm, no substitutions at the break.

An early chance for Fulham who have a corner after a Curtis Davies miscue.

Stefan Johansen will take it…but it’s cleared at the near post.

Off we go again. Let’s hope we see a little bit more excitement this time.

Both teams need the win. Fulham can go level on points with second-placed Leeds and a Derby win will take them to within six points of the play-offs before tomorrow’s games.

Unsurprisingly, there’s a packed programme of EFL action coming up for you tomorrow, starting with in-form Blackburn’s visit to another promotion-chasing west London side Brentford in the lunchtime game.

The top two are then both in action at 3pm, with leaders West Brom travelling to play-off chasing Bristol City, while second-placed Leeds host Reading.

In League One, leaders Rotherham make the trip to Accrington while Coventry are on the road – although, to be fair, they always are – at Rochdale.

And in League Two, three of the top four – Swindon, Crewe and Plymouth – will be looking to make the most of home advantage as they continue their promotion push.

Ollie Conroy: Rooney arguing with the referee and than banging in the sweetest volley from 30 yards at St James’ Park.

James Aithie: My favourite Wayne Rooney league moment wasn’t the overhead kick against City, it was the angry volley against Newcastle United. Busy berating the referee, then jogs forward 3 yards and unleashes unstoppable shot.

Mark G: Best Rooney moment? When he didn’t sign for Leeds or Forest.

Naughty, Mark…

Well – hardly a classic. It’s had a few moments of interest, but just the four shots on target so far.

Derby’s Tom Lawrence has been the most likely source of a goal with Fulham keeper Marek Rodak making a good save to deny the Wales international and also making a fine low stop to keep out a Matt Clarke shot.

Wayne Rooney takes the corner and it’s easily cleared.

Martyn Waghorn is then lucky not to be the first player cautioned, the Derby striker leaving a foot in on Harry Arter as he tried to win back possession.

Wayne Rooney is still having a big influence even though his slightly more advanced role means he is getting closed down much quicker than he has been in recent weeks.

The ex-England captain starts a move which leads to a Derby corner….

Tom Lawrence again.

This time the winger comes back inside on to his right foot from the left after a slick move when it looked easier to go on to his left.

But he still gets a shot away, which is brilliantly saved by Fulham keeper Marek Rodak who dives low to his left.

Fulham have raised their game in the last few minutes. Scott Parker’s side are suddenly playing at a better tempo and Derby are no longer finding it as easy to stop them creating space out wide.

But there really haven’t been many chances for either team.

See 22 mins. The Fulham strikers are Bobby and Aleks from now on.

Neither are involved as Denis Odoi comes forward for a corner but can only direct an effort wide at the near post.

Fulham are having the better of the possession, but there’s been a bit more threat about the hosts so far.

Fulham finally get an effort on target, but it’s pretty tame from Aleksandar Mitrovic, who cannot get the power on a Bobby Dercordova-Reid cross as he moves backwards and nods it straight at the Derby keeper.

Tushar Vyas: THAT Rooney off the shin bicycle kick goal in the Manchester derby, matched by the celebration, Old Trafford celebration and Nani hug!

Matthew Lovegrove: Perhaps you could say Rooney’s halfway line goal against West Ham

Rob: Wayne Rooney’s best moment? Probably as seen on TV first … Everton Vs Arsenal … with that Clive Tyldsley commentary … “Remember the name, Wayne Rooney!” Shame he couldn’t play well for England at the moments when it really mattered.

Steve: Has to be the goal from his own half in his second stint for Everton. Underrated because of the overhead kick against City while he was at United.

We’re asking for your favourite Wayne Rooney moments tonight as he is making his 500th appearance in English league football.

Fulham relieve the pressure for a few moments but Aleksandar Mitrovic is crowded out and Derby clear their lines.

Joe Bryan then finally looks to have wriggled free on the left and is clear to get to a cross in, only to be flagged offside.

Brilliant stuff from Matt Clarke who stretches a leg out like Mr Tickle and brings down Wayne Rooney’s overhit free-kick.

The defender then stretches to get a shot away but keeper Marek Rodak makes a vital stop as Martyn Waghorn would have had a simple task of tapping it into the net.