Derby County are set for a busy week of Championship action that will put them against three teams before the international break.
The Rams are looking to head into the two-week reprieve with some fine form, which will have to start against Stoke City.
Paul Warne’s side have struggled on their travels, picking up just two points from their opening games on the road.
The Derby boss has had to make a couple of changes to address the challenge of the Potters, with Kenzo Goudmijn and Kane Wilson dropping out of the team.
Paul Warne gives Derby County team news for Stoke City
Two changes for Derby saw Kenzo Goudmijn and Kane Wilson drop out of the team, with Ben Osborn and Joe Ward entering the side.
Speaking on Sky Sports before the game, Warne revealed the reason for the decisions, stating: “We had a problem with our right-back [Wilson], obviously two of our right-backs are down so playing with [Joe] Wardy and by playing with Marcus [Harness over Kenzo Goudmijn] we may have a bit more strength out of possession potentially.
“And in fairness to Kenzo he’s come in and been amazing for me but he’s a little bit on the side of fatigue and we’ve got three games and we look at them all individually and we’ve earmarked Kenzo’s input in the next two really.
“So I have to try and manage the players obviously and that’s the reason, so he’s fine with that.”
The changes come at a time where Derby have a busy fixture list before them, but the injury issue to Wilson will be a particular concern, with Ward the only right-back option left available.
Derby County right-back options
With Wilson’s injury currently unknown, there is a clear concern that Ward remains the only right-back option after only just returning from injury himself.
Ryan Nyambe is set to miss the majority of the season through injury, leaving Warne with some decisions to make if there are clear issues.
Curtis Nelson is one player who has slotted into the right flank position, with one of Sonny Bradley or Nat Phillips sliding into the centre-back role.
Beyond that, there is an option to move into a back five, which could allow for Kayden Jackson to play at wing-back as an attacking option.
It remains to be seen if that emergency option will be required, but the Rams will be hoping that isn’t the case.