Derby County host Bradford City tonight in the knockout stages of the EFL Trophy with both sides aiming to progress deep into the competition.
After pulling off a convincing 3-1 victory over Fleetwood Town on Saturday, Derby moved to within two points of the automatic promotion places in League One and four behind leaders Portsmouth.
The Rams secured the three points thanks to goals from Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, James Collins and super sub Tom Barkhuizen.
In that fixture, Paul Warne made some big decisions with his team selection, most notably dropping Joe Wildsmith for Josh Vickers.
This evening, however, he could use this fixture as an opportunity to rotate his side and give some of his first-team stars a breather.
With the quarter-finals in their sights, here is how Derby could lineup for the fixture…
Derby County predicted XI vs Bradford City
After being dropped for Vickers on Saturday, Wildsmith can expect to be thrown straight back into the team here in what is a huge game for the Rams.
With Nyambe away on international duty at AFCON hoping to help Namibia go deep into the competition, it’s a toss up between Kane Wilson and Joe Ward at right back.
Wilson is the most favoured of the two given what he can bring defensively, winning seven of his ten ground duels against Fleetwood.
At the heart of Warne’s defence, Sonny Bradley is likely to start. He’s been utilised in the EFL Trophy and will probably partner with the colossal Eiran Cashin.
Craig Forsyth was substituted at halftime on Saturday and could lose his place to Callum Elder here, who needs minutes after returning from injury.
In midfield, meanwhile, Warne could make more alterations by resting two of his key men, Max Bird and Conor Hourihane by giving minutes to Liam Thompson and Tyreese Fornah.
Joe Ward has been struggling to find his feet, however, a clash against League Two opposition could be the perfect time for the Derby boss to use him as a right winger.
Louie Sibley has shone at times as an attacking midfielder and after not being given many minutes recently, the 22-year-old could get a chance to impress tonight.
The ‘magic‘ Mendez-Laing has been in exceptional form, but he could opt to give him some rest by starting Barkhuizen there instead after watching the 30-year-old score from the bench.
Likewise, Tyreece John-Jules could earn a start over the in-form Collins, who could do with rest.
At the age of 33, Collins is no spring chicken anymore, but John-Jules is and perhaps will want to show his capabilities as a central striker.