Derby County face Swansea City in their first home game of the Championship campaign on Saturday.
Both clubs kicked off their season with a victory. Swansea overcame Hull City 2-1 in Wales, while Derby won by the same score-line at recently relegated Huddersfield Town.
(Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images).
Optimism is high at Derby ahead of new manager Phillip Cocu’s first home game of the season. The Rams have had a good pre-season on the transfer front, and several new signings will be keen to start.
Here is how we believe Cocu’s side will line up to take on the Swans.
Where will Phillip Cocu make changes?
Derby boss Cocu told Rams TV that it is still too soon for holding midfielder Krystian Bielik. The Polish signing from Arsenal had a busy summer at the European U21 Championships and is still working on his fitness.
Graeme Shinnie, however, is in line for his Rams debut after remaining on the bench at Huddersfield. The former Aberdeen man may come in for George Evans, giving Derby a more attack-minded midfield.
The other new inclusion in the team is winger Jamie Paterson. The 27-year-old arrived on deadline day from Bristol City on a season-long loan deal, and he could be involved right away.
Florian Jozefzoon struggled to impress last Monday night in Yorkshire. Paterson will offer more care on the ball, while his movement in the final third is one of his better attributes.
(Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images).
The rest of the team is likely to stay as it is. The performance at Huddersfield was good, therefore it’s unlikely Derby will make sweeping changes while some players are still short of fitness.
The likes of Jack Marriott, Craig Forsyth and Bielik will certainly push for regular starts soon, but for now it’s too early for the trio.