Derby County travel to Stoke City in the Championship this weekend looking to build on their recent unbeaten run.
Derby have avoided defeat in their previous four matches, including a win over QPR and draws against Millwall, QPR and Hull City.
Paul Warne’s men are still going in search of their first away victory of the season, having taken just two points from their first six games on their travels.
A trip to Stoke City this weekend represents a great chance to change that narrative, with the Potters winless in four matches and sixth bottom of the Championship home table.
EFL pundit Sam Parkin is backing Derby to win on the road against Stoke and that is certainly a real possibility, especially with the players he has to select from.
Derby County team news ahead of Stoke City
Warne has most of his squad available for selection ahead of their trip to the Bet 365 stadium.
Dajaune Brown came off injured in the draw against Hull after scoring the equaliser but luckily, the injury wasn’t serious and he should be fit enough to take his place on the bench.
On-loan Crystal Palace midfielder David Ozoh remains sidelined till the international break at the earliest after damaging his squad, and the 19-year-old has been a huge miss.
While Ozoh could return next month, Ryan Nyambe is out for six months. The right-back has damaged his posterior ligament and although he will not have to undergo an operation, he will be out of action until next year.
The only other concern heading into this weekend’s clash is Tawanda Chirewa, who suffered a ‘freak’ injury to his quad that will keep him on the sidelines for the next month or so.
So, with that said, here’s how Derby could lineup at Stoke.
- READ MORE: Paul Warne holds key Derby County boost before Stoke City clash with important injury respite
Derby County predicted lineup vs Stoke
Jacob Widell Zetterstrom continues to show why he’s one of the best keepers in the Championship and he keeps his place between the posts.
Kane Wilson has started the last two matches following the injury to Nyambe and he is joined by the usual defensive trio of Eiran Cashin, Curtis Nelson and Craig Forsyth.
There could be one change in midfield as Warne attempts to solidify his starting XI, with Ben Osborn coming in for the ‘special’ Marcus Harness, who could be brought off the bench as an impact sub.
Osborn will partner Ebou Adams and Kenzo Goudmijn, who looked tired in the draw against Hull City.
While Corey Blackett-Taylor is pushing to start, Warne should start with the same front three as last weekend, including Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, Kayden Jackson and Jerry Yates.
Derby County (4-3-3): Zetterstrom; Wilson, Cashin, Nelson, Forsyth; Adams, Osborn, Goudmijn; Jackson, Mendez-Laing, Yates.