Derby County host Fulham in the Championship on Friday evening.
The Rams head into the encounter coming off the back of a 1-1 draw with Huddersfield Town while Fulham surprisingly lost 3-0 at home to Barnsley.
(Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images).
Derby will be without Duane Holmes who picked up an injury against the Terriers. Andre Wisdom, however, may return after picking up a knock last week.
Here is how we believe Derby will line up:
On-loan goalkeeper Ben Hamer is likely to return to the starting eleven. He missed the game against parent club Huddersfield with Kelle Roos replacing him.
Manager Phillip Cocu has a tough decision to make in defence. Fullbacks Jayden Bogle and Max Lowe have both struggled defensively – allowing too many crosses.
Fulham have an abundance of quality in the wide areas. Anthony Knockaert, Ivan Cavaleiro and Aboubakar Kamara have all tormented Derby in the past.
The Rams must not allow Fulham’s wide players to dictate. Therefore, Cocu may opt for the more experienced Craig Forsyth and Andre Wisdom at fullback.
Graeme Shinnie replaced the injured Holmes against Huddersfield. However, his introduction saw Wayne Rooney play further forward and Derby surrendered control.
Rooney is better as a holding midfielder alongside Max Bird. With an attacking spot vacant, Jason Knight may be brought back into the starting eleven.
(Photo by Andrew Kearns – CameraSport via Getty Images).
The Republic of Ireland U21 international has sat out the last few games but Derby could do with that extra energy and directness with Holmes sitting out.
Fulham won the corresponding fixture 3-0. The Rams have improved since then and they should be a greater match for Scott Parker’s side this time around.
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