Derby County travel to unbeaten Bournemouth on Saturday looking to pick up their first victory in five games following a difficult start to the campaign.
The Rams have managed just one win and two draws from their eight games so far.
Phillip Cocu’s side have struggled to contend with injuries to key players this season and another star player is side-lined for the trip to the south coast.
(Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images).
Winger Kamil Jozwiak has been a breath of fresh air since his £4 million move to Pride Park but an injury late on against Cardiff will see him miss the game on Saturday.
With that in mind, here is our predicted line-up for the clash at the Vitality Stadium.
David Marshall missed the 1-1 draw against Cardiff with Kelle Roos coming in. However, he trained normally on Friday and will no doubt return to the starting eleven.
Derby have improved since moving to a back three. Curtis Davies, Andre Wisdom and Matt Clarke are all likely to retain their places following the midweek clash.
Lee Buchanan was an injury worry, but the talented Rams youngster also trained on Friday while Nathan Byrne will again feature on the opposite flank.
Jozwiak’s injury leaves Phillip Cocu with a big decision to make.
While Morgan Whittaker would be a like-for-like swap, the Derby academy graduate is still being eased into first-team duties and it would be a surprise to see him start.
(Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images).
Without interrupting the midfield duo of Graeme Shinnie and Jason Knight, the speedy Duane Holmes may get the nod with Wayne Rooney and Louie Sibley not 100% match fit.
Jozwiak’s absence will take away a key threat for Derby. Martyn Waghorn and Tom Lawrence will have to step up, while Colin Kazim-Richards will be an option off the bench.
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