The biggest match of Derby County’s season so far awaits on Saturday and Paul Warne has dropped an early hint on his team selection.
Derby County host Bolton Wanderers in a clash of two League One titans. The race for promotion couldn’t be any closer as the Rams occupy second position, one point above the third-place Trotters.
It’s a match that won’t define either team’s season, as highlighted by Paul Warne in his pre-match conference, but a victory for the hosts would see them create a four-point gap, which could be vital as we enter the final stretch of a compelling campaign.
Derby have won their last three matches in the third tier and during that run, Warne has only made changes to his midfield, dropping Conor Hourihane due to injury against Port Vale and Max Bird in the win over Bristol Rovers.
For the Rams boss, it’s a rarity that he’s kept the majority of his team the same for multiple matches on the bounce, but with injuries piling up and fatigue setting in, he is open to making changes against Bolton.
Paul Warne hints at making changes for Bolton clash
Speaking to Derby County’s official website ahead of the match, Warne believes he has a strong squad to choose from and that is the reason he is happy to make changes if required.
“It’s easier and harder in equal measure,” he said. “If you have 18 players who believe they should start the game, it’s harder than 12. However, from a manager’s point of view, if I want to change three or four players for Saturday, and I think it’s the right thing to do, I don’t think it makes us weaker.
“I just think it makes us different. Having a strong squad is imperative to success and whether you play 20 minutes, 25 games or 45 games, every contribution matters. We feel like we’re sort of getting there.”
Across a campaign, Warne has understood the importance of using every tool he has in the quest for promotion, as highlighted by the fact that Derby have had 17 different scorers this term.
It shows that every single player has played their part, whether that’s playing every single minute or making regular cameo appearances from the bench.
Derby have a big squad for a reason and while Dwight Gayle has stolen the headlines recently with three goals in three, don’t back against a substitute coming off the bench on Saturday to score a vital goal or make a vital contribution defensively.