DERBY County's success in having a ticket price-rise overturned by the Football League for this weekend's game apparently paves the way for future challenges by visiting clubs, writes Yann Tear.

And it leaves the club's new policy of restructuring matchday ticket prices into three bands - to reflect the likely interest and attractiveness of the fixture - open to regular controversy this season.

Although there is no restriction against increasing prices for home fans once the season is under way - and it begs the question, why not? - there is such a rule governing the away club.

And should they object to the prices being higher than those set down before the season began, they can challenge it, as Derby have done.

Instead of paying up to £40 to watch this week's championship fixture - categorised as a top category fixture - away fans now have the option of buying tickets priced £25-30.

Mindful of the fact their own fans could now be forced to pay more than the away side in a comparable part of the ground, Rangers have made a U-turn over admission prices in the Loft End for this match at least - bringing them back into line with pre-season rates.

But the price increases in the Ellerslie Road and South Africa Road stands will be implemented and it has not stopped the sale of £50 'Platinum'tickets for the match.

What happens here on in remains unclear. The Blackp-pool game at Loftus Road on Tuesday night has been classifield a Category C match - the lowest level - but as yet, no other fixtures have been classified.

Pat Harrison of the official supporters' club said supporters had met with deputy managing director Ali Russell this week to protest against the price increases, while the independent LSA (Loyal Supporters' Association) is planning to press ahead with protests ahead of tomorrow's (Saturday) game.

LSA chairman John Reid said it was unfair that the Football League should have rules protecting away fans from price hikes and not home fans.

The League has so far yet to explain why the rules about mid-season price rises only affect the rights of away supporters.

Next Up

DERBY COUNTY

Loftus Road Saturday 3pm Championship

Manager: Paul Jewell Position last season: 20th Prem Lge Form Guide: The Rams ended a traumatic year's wait for a league win with a 2-1 home win over Sheffield United a fortnight ago but it is their only win in their opening seven games. They have lost 1-0 at home to Doncaster and southampton and drawn with Cardiff (1-1). On the road, they have drawn 1-1 at Bristol City and Swansea and lost at Barnsley (0-2). Derby set a record low for top-flight points last year with 11 - and had one solitary win.

Players to look out for: Robbie Savage is always worth a boo - if he plays. Ex Fulham defender Dean Leacock makes a return to west London.

Most recent meetings: Derby Co 1-1 QPR (13 Mar 2007); QPR 1-2 Derby Co (17 Oct 2007); - Champ.

Head-to-head record: QPR Wins: 10 DC Wins: 15 Draws: 15

Match Facts: There has been only winning home side in the past 14 meetings - the Rams' 2-0 win at their old Baseball Ground 18 years ago. That amazing sequence means it is now 26 years since Rangers last beat Derby in west London - a 4-1 win in 1982. There have been three draws and four defeats at Loftus Road since then.

Forecast: Rs to bring an end to that long wait for a home win over Rams.

In Midweek

BLACKPOOL

Loftus Road Tuesday 8pm Championship

Manager: Simon Grayson Position last season: 19th Form Guide: Blackpool's season has revived with wins at Southampton and - even more impressively - at Birmingham (both 1-0). They gained a point at Norwich (1-1) with the sole defeat so far coming at Burnley (0-2). With one win and two defeats at home, the Seasiders will be aiming to improve their Bloomfield Road record against Coventry City this coming Saturday.

Players to look out for: Players with QPR connections include Ian Evatt, Zesh Rehman and Danny Nardiello.

Most recent meetings: QPR 3-2 Blackpool (11 Mar 2008); Blackpool 1-0 QPR (1 Dec 2007) - Championship Head-to-head record: QPR Wins: 12 BFC Wins: 3 Draws: 6

Match Facts: Last season's defeat at Bloomfield Road was only Rangers' third in 21 encounters. Blackpool have won only once in west London - 1-0 in 1972. All seven other league meetings have been won by Rangers, who have crashed in 24 goals into the bargain. QPR also thrashed Pool 5-1 in an FA Cup tie in their way to the 1982 final and it's not a happy ground for the Seasiders.

Forecast: It's hard to see anything other than home wins for the Rs these days and they could make it a perfect six points out of six on home soil this week.

Gazetteforecast success rate: 5 correct out of 9 (56%)