Paul Warne has to deal with an attacking injury ahead of Derby County vs Cardiff City.
Derby County will be looking to make it three home wins on the bounce at the start of the 2024/25 Championship season, as they welcome Cardiff City to Pride Park.
The Rams will certainly be fancying their chances after such a bright start to the campaign, in particular against Middlesbrough and Bristol City, where they were able to come away with six points.
Derby County’s midfield has certainly played an integral role in kicking the Rams’ Championship season off in a positive manner, with Kenzo Goudmijn and David Ozoh already proving to be brilliant pieces of business from Paul Warne.
The Rams boss Warne has even bolstered his defensive options, with the signing of Nat Phillips being confirmed on Deadline Day, and he also stated that he could change the formation as a result of his arrival.
However, after coming off the back of a victory, Warne will likely lead with a similar-looking side that beat Bristol City.
Derby County team and injury news vs Cardiff City
There have been previous injuries dealt to the likes of Eiran Cashin and Ben Osborn, however the former was able to make a brilliant return to the side that Beat Bristol City before the international break.
Osborn missed out in the 3-0 victory at Pride Park, but he has trained all week and is in contention for a start for Derby County, as is Kane Wilson, who recently returned to training.
Unfortunately, Warne will be without Wolves loanee Tawanda Chirewa as a result of concussion protocols.
Derby County predicted XI vs Cardiff City
Jacob Widell Zetterstrom has undoubtedly tied down his spot as the No1 shot-stopper for Derby County this season following his arrival.
One tough call for Warne will be whether Phillips joins the side for his first appearance for Derby County since his loan arrival from Liverpool, and Cashin’s place in the squad could be sacrificed as a result.
Another selection headache will also involve whether Osborn comes straight back into the side, and with the form that Ozoh, Goudmijn and Ebou Adams have been in, there is very much a chance that the former Sheffield United midfielder may just be utilised from off-the-bench.
Attacking options have been depleted as a result of Chirewa’s arrival, however there are still plenty of options for Warne to choose from.
Marcus Harness is in contention for a start, however he may be eased into game time at this stage and also be utilised from off-the-bench.
Here is how we think Derby County will line up against Cardiff City…
Zetterstrom (GK)
Elder
Nelson
Phillips
Nyambe
Adams
Ozoh
Goudmijn
Mendez-Laing
Jackson
Yates