Derby County will be hoping to continue their 100% record at Pride Park as they face Cardiff City.
The Rams have most certainly made Pride Park a fortress so far this season as they managed to see off both Middlesbrough and Bristol City, with both games ending in a victory and clean sheet for Derby County.
Paul Warne’s side has been massively bolstered with its midfield arrivals, especially both Kenzo Goudmijn and David Ozoh, who each bagged a goal in the 3-0 victory against Bristol City.
There are still doubts over Derby County when they are on theory travels following two defeats against both Blackburn Rovers and Watford, however their priority at this point will be looking to get three points against a poor Cardiff City side.
Here is how Derby County could line up in a week’s time against Cardiff City in the Championship.
Goalkeeper
When new signing Jacob Widell Zetterstrom first signed for the Rams, there was plenty of debate over whether he should be brought in to replace Josh Vickers after the goalkeeper played a blinder in the win against Middlesborough.
Warne opted to play the Swedish international, and has since proven to be a worthwhile signing for Derby County, leading to him likely starting.
Defence
Following the signing of Nat Phillips from Liverpool, Warne suggested that he could look to change his side to a back-three in order to play the loanee.
As a result, Phillips will likely be slotted in at centre-back alongside both Eiran Cashin and Curtis Nelson.
The full-backs, or more likely wing-backs in Warne’s likely formation change, will certainly remain the same after a positive performance against Bristol City, which means that the three centre-backs will be joined by both Callum Elder and Ryan Nyambe playing either side.
Midfield
The formation changes likely to be utilised by Warne could see him deplete the midfield in order to keep wingers, but with the signings made in the summer that bolster the centre-of-the-park, there is more chance that the former Rotherham United boss sticks with three in the midfield.
Ben Osborn is set to return from injury after a couple games out and if he was to return to the side it would likely be in place of Ebou Adams, but after such an assured recent performance in the league, the new signing from Cardiff City will likely retain his place as he plays alongside Ozoh and Goudmijn.
Attack
Despite the new signing of Marcus Harness, Warne’s formation changes will likely see him only utilised off the bench for the clash with Cardiff City. Nathaniel Mendez-Laing will also potentially be dropped as a result as well.
With the wide omissions, Warne’s top two will likely see both Jerry Yates and Kayden Jackson start following the Derby County boss making it clear that he wants to pursue a formation with two strikers.
Predicted XI: Zetterstrom (GK), Elder, Cashin, Nelson, Phillips, Nyambe, Adams, Ozoh, Goudmijn, Jackson, Yates