Paul Warne will be forced into a key change for Derby County’s trip to Sheffield United.
Derby County’s start to the 2024/25 Championship season has been brilliant, especially at home, with the Rams tallying three successive victories at Pride Park, with the most recent one coming against a struggling Cardiff City side.
As a result, Derby County now sit in an impressive 8th position in the table, ahead of the likes of Leeds United and Middlesbrough, who currently sit 9th and 10th respectively.
Whilst the Rams have undoubtedly started in great fashion, their only two away games this campaign have seen successive defeats against Blackburn Rovers and Watford, and they will face an even more difficult trip as they travel to the Steel City to face Sheffield United.
It will be made even more challenging for Paul Warne’s side, who will be without one key player for the trip to Bramall Lane, and it will certainly see changes to the side.
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Derby County injury news ahead of Sheffield United clash
Derby County and Warne’s main concern going into this game will undoubtedly be the untimely absence of Crystal Palace loanee David Ozoh, who is set for a five-week spell on the sidelines.
He sustained a hamstring injury against Cardiff City, which saw him taken off and head straight down the tunnel.
Warne has also confirmed that Derby County winger Tom Barkhuizen will also be absent from the game, as will Liam Thompson.
Derby County defender Jake Rooney is edging closer to a return to the squad, however it is unlikely that he will be involved in any way this weekend.
Derby County team news against Sheffield United
There are no doubts that new Swedish shot-stopper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom has tied down his spot in the side now, despite solid performances from Josh Vickers at the start of the season.
He will have a back four in front of him, which will likely see Ryan Nyambe and Callum Elder retain their places in the side, the latter of which had a brilliant performance against Cardiff City.
However, it is likely that Warne will look to bring in Nat Phillips for his first start since his arrival from Liverpool, which could potentially see young defender Eiran Cashin make way.
Ozoh’s untimely absence has left Warne with an issue of having to replace a player who has started the season so brightly, however there are few doubts that Ben Osborn will come in to replace the youngster following his return from injury.
Despite the signing of Marcus Harness, who impressed from off the bench against Cardiff City, it will be likely that Warne lines up with a similar looking front three and the former Ipswich Town winger continues on the bench.
Here is how we think Derby County will line up against Sheffield United…
Zetterstrom (GK)
Elder
Nelson
Phillips
Nyambe
Adams
Osborn
Goudmijn
Mendez-Laing
Jackson
Yates