Paul Warne must revert to a previous system he used at Derby County after losing defenders Sonny Bradley to suspension and Craig Forsyth to injury.
Derby County were dealt multiple punches to the stomach on Saturday following their 1-0 defeat to Northampton Town. The result was a tough pill to swallow, especially the manner of it, but an even bigger blow was losing Nathaniel Mendez-Laing to injury.
Paul Warne said after the game that he’s done his hamstring and while the extent of that injury is yet to be confirmed, it doesn’t look good for the Rams.
The record-breaking Mendez-Laing is Derby’s most influential player and Warne has said previously that they’d be in big trouble if they lost him to injury or suspension.
While the manager’s worst fears are materializing, the promotion chasers saw centre-back Sonny Bradley get sent off for a petulant headbutt, resulting in a three-match ban.
With veteran Craig Forsyth also suffering an injury, shortly after returning to action, Warne is forced into tweaking his system and reintroducing wingers.
Why changing back to 4-3-3 can work wonders for Derby
A big criticism of Derby in their defeat to Northampton was lacking natural width.
Wing-backs Louie Sibley and Kane Wilson did make five accurate crosses between them in that match but were often forced to defend or not given license to spring forward.
Derby were crying out for a natural winger to hug the touchline and drag their defenders out of position. This would have perhaps opened up more space centrally and given the Rams an extra route to goal.
Instead, Warne’s men played most of their football in front of the Northampton defence and rarely threatened in behind.
Of course, they weren’t helped by missing Dwight Gayle and Tom Barkhuizen through injury, but the need for natural width was still prevalent and Corey Blackett-Taylor can provide that.
In the absence of Mendez-Laing, the former Charlton Athletic winger can show his worth to Warne after struggling at the start of his Derby career.
In truth, he’s rarely been given the chance, however, switching back to a 4-3-3 can see the 26-year-old play in his preferred position, cutting in from the left flank.
The switch to a three-man midfield will also give the defence and engine room more protection as the partnership of Conor Hourihane and Ebou Adams was overran against Northampton. An extra body in the middle of the park will be hugely beneficial and can help Derby dominate matches.
While it’s unfortunate the Rams have been decimated by injuries once more, changing back to a 4-3-3 system against Blackpool on Friday could be a blessing in disguise.