Here is our predicted starting line-up as Derby County prepare to host Charlton Athletic.
Derby County will take on Charlton Athletic for the second time in a month tomorrow evening.
The Rams will be desperate to get back to winning ways after ending their five-game unbeaten run with a defeat to Barnsley at the weekend.
The absence of James Collins was felt by the team, who failed to further put pressure on League One leaders Portsmouth, but instead tightened the gap on themselves and those below them.
Pompey don’t play midweek though, meaning Derby could move to within four points of their rivals if they can beat Charlton again.
Paul Warne‘s side scraped three points on their first to The Valley last month, with Nathaniel Mendez-Laing scoring the only goal of the game.
Having only played three days ago, we can probably expect Derby to make a few changes tomorrow night.
Here is our predicted XI…
Derby County predicted XI vs Charlton Athletic
Joe Wildsmith keeps his place in between the sticks after starting 28 of Derby County’s 34 games this term.
The goalkeeper was briefly dropped in January, but fought back for the number one spot following their last meeting with Charlton.
The Rams may switch up the formation after failing to beat Barnsley, as they return to home turf against ‘weaker’ opposition.
While Sonny Bradley has been ‘vital’ in recent months, the 32-year-old could be rested and allow Eiran Cashin and Curtis Nelson to occupy the heart of a back four.
Callum Elder may keep his place at left-back as Craig Forsyth remains sidelined, while Ryan Nyambe could return in Kane Wilson’s place.
The Namibia international has been eased back into the team after spending most of January at AFCON.
‘Sensational’ Ebou Adams starts his sixth successive game since joining the Rams, playing alongside Conor Hourihane and Max Bird.
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing starting up front clearly isn’t working for Warne’s side so he will be pushed out wide, with Louie Sibley dropping to the bench.
Tom Barkhuizen could be handed his second start in six matches, while Dwight Gayle will be eager to make his full debut for his new team.
The striker joined the Rams on a free transfer this month after he was released by Stoke City, and is expected to replace the injured James Collins. Having only managed three goals in 45 appearances for the Potters, the pressure is on for Gayle to perform in the league below.