Derby County host Reading tonight in a vital clash at the top of League One.
Paul Warne’s men are looking to continue their recent upturn in form having recorded consecutive 3-0 victories over Port Vale and Bristol Rovers.
As we approach the final nine games, Derby have hit a little purple patch in form since switching to the 3-4-3 system with Joe Ward and Louie Sibley operating as wingbacks.
The Rams have played some free-flowing football and have looked far more fluid in that formation compared to using a four-at-the-back system.
While Derby’s fortunes have improved after falling to defeats against Barnsley and Charlton Athletic, Warne is also welcoming back some of his key players.
Despite suffering an injury in training to Max Bird, who missed the match at Bristol Rovers, Derby did watch Craig Forsyth and Callum Elder return to training.
Neither are expected to dislodge Sibley from his left wing-back role against Reading, but their return to action is a timely one, especially with James Collins expected back at the end of March.
With that said, here’s how Derby could line up against Reading tonight.
Derby County predicted XI vs Reading
Joe Wildsmith’s position in goal has been secure since Josh Vickers suffered an injury at the start of February. With his return date unknown, the 28-year-old will be looking to build on his total of 14 clean sheets.
Warne’s switch to a three-man defence has seen Joe Ward flourish as a right wing-back, with the former Peterborough man finally showing some of his best form since arriving in the summer.
Warne keeps his place in the side, as does his instrumental centre-back trio of Sonny Bradley, Eiran Cashin and Curtis Nelson with Sibley continuing his place in the starting XI at left wing-back.
Similarly to his opposite number, the Derby Academy graduate is playing some of his best football for a while.
As for their midfield, tackling machine Ebou Adams has a secure position in the engine room, but there could be one change to the team that beat Bristol Rovers and that is dropping Conor Hourihane for the “exceptional” Korey Smith.
Although Hourihane is superb at taking set-pieces and technically good, Smith has looked impressive since returning from injury and deserves to start tonight.
Derby’s front three, meanwhile, will remain unchanged. Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, Tom Barkhuizen and Dwight Gayle were electric on Saturday and Warne will expect them to reach similar levels tonight.