Ross County need no introduction to ICT fans. These derby matches are eagerly awaited by both sets of supporters and were one of the drawbacks of being in the SPL for the last few years, while County went up and down the lower leagues. This Seasons Encounters In the first league game County handed Inverness a major lesson. ICT’s new recruits failed to match the robust style of County and were swept aside as County cruised to a convincing 3-1 victory in front of a demoralised North Stand. Ex Jaggie Ian Vigurs chipped in with a cheeky back heeled goal which must have delighted him, the Tulloch residents were less enthusiastic about it. This was after Di Giacamo had opened the scoring, with County controlling the midfield and bossing the Inverness newbies. Little Jonny Hayes scored what proved to be a consolation for the home team as Brittain killed off any hope Inverness had of making a comeback. One of the worst performances by Inverness in a derby game, and as bad as the 1-5 thumping we suffered a few years earlier. In the Alba cup semi-final, Inverness managed to hold on for a none too convincing win, with Robert Eagle scoring the winner from a ball crossed into the danger area on the turn. He was rewarded for his quick thinking as the ball curled into the net, although Sanchez was on hand had the ball not nestled in the County goals. County surged back at the Jaggies and a rocket shot from Paul Lawson smacked the crossbar, but a nervy ICT held on to reach the final. StattoMann County have had the better start to the season and sit two points above Inverness on 21 points, only two points from top spot. Inverness are unbeaten away from home this season and are the top away scorers in the league with thirteen goals, five of those coming at Ayr a couple of weeks ago. County have won three, drawn two and lost only once at home, scoring nine goals in the process, but conceding seven. That is in stark contrast to Inverness’s home form, although last weeks sound thrashing of Morton was a boost all round for ICT, with Adam Rooney securing a hat-trick. Recent form actually favours Inverness as we have scored nine goals in the last two games, albeit against relegation prospects, and three wins, one draw and two defeats in the previous six. County have won two, drawn two and lost two in their last six league games, failing to score more than twice in any of those games. Statistics don’t count for much when these games come around, but with Butcher deploying an attack minded 4-2-3-1 formation the goals have started to flow in the right direction for the Caley Jags. I doubt very much that he will tinker, (see what I did there), with this winning formation and team selection. We could have a matchwinner on the bench in the shape of the electrifying pocket rocket Jonny Hayes. He also has a point to prove after taking a heavy knock in the last encounter. Derby Squads For Inverness, the only injuries are long term casualty Jamie Duff and the almost ready Eric Odhiambo. Last weeks Inverness squad:- Esson, Tokely, Bulvitis, Munro, Golabek, Proctor, Sanchez, Duncan, Foran (Hayes 63), Rooney (Barrowman 86), Imrie (Cox 80). Subs Not Used: Stratford, Allison Ross County will have to do without ex ICT defender Steven Watt who is starting a two match suspension tomorrow. There are no other reported injuries from either camp. Last weeks County squad:- McGovern, Miller, Morrison, Watt, Keddie, Kettlewell (Craig 46), Lawson, Brittain, Vigurs (Grant 83), Gardyne (Di Giacomo 46), Wood. Subs Not Used: Malin, Boyd TM4TJ prediction I expect a really tough battle in this one. Inverness have started to score freely and County have stuttered recently. But these are games for big boys and the County defence will not roll over like Ayr and Morton did. However, I will stick my neck out and go for the away day Butchers boys to continue their unbeaten run and sneak a tense Highland derby by the odd goal in three.