Derby County manager Phillip Cocu will have a selection headache ahead of his side’s trip to Fulham following the injuries to Mason Bennett and Graeme Shinnie.
The Derby duo limped out of the first half against Preston North End on Saturday.
The Rams went on to the beat the Lilywhites 1-0 with substitute Martyn Waghorn grabbing the winner. However, it may not be enough for Waghorn to keep his place.
(Photo by Mick Walker – CameraSport via Getty Images).
Fulham at Craven Cottage are a difficult proposition. The former Premier League side are full of quality, while Derby’s away form has really been poor of late.
Here is how we believe the Rams will line-up:
The back five will no doubt remain unchanged. Max Lowe and Craig Forsyth were jointly named Men of the Match against Preston, forming a decent partnership.
Graeme Shinnie’s injury should see George Evans come into midfield.
Cocu’s selection headache will be in the final third. Duane Holmes tired against Preston, while £5 million 2018 signing Waghorn is out of position on the right.
But should Waghorn be dropped after scoring the winner against Preston? He is afterall Derby’s leading goal scorer this season and the Rams have been goal-shy on the road.
Fulham have an abundance of quality down their left. Joe Bryan and Ivan Cavaleiro are an attacking force. This is where Cocu could consider playing Andre Wisdom at right-back and Jayden Bogle further forward. Either option is likely to prompt questions from supporters.
(Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images).
Cocu could also consider Kieran Dowell or Florian Jozefzoon to beef up the midfield. But the duo are out of form and right now out of the first team picture for a reason.
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