Derby County host Blackburn Rovers on Sunday in a game which may be make or break for the Rams’ slim playoff chances.
Phillip Cocu’s side trail Rovers by five points as Tony Mowbray’s side start the weekend three points behind six-place Preston North End.
(Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images).
The Rams come into the game off the back of a 3-0 FA Cup defeat to Manchester United.
Derby made changes for the United game. And Cocu will now be looking to reinsert some fresh legs. Here is how we believe the Rams will line up.
Derby changed both of their central defenders for the FA Cup encounter. For the Championship, Matt Clarke and Andre Wisdom should both return to action.
Young fullbacks Max Lowe and Jayden Bogle started in midweek. The duo performed well and will likely retain their spots for the visit of Blackburn.
Tom Lawrence’s injury may cause Derby to alter things in midfield.
Lawrence was forced off just before half-time against United. He was replaced by Morgan Whittaker, but the youngster is unlikely to start on Sunday.
Graeme Shinnie may well come back in. It breaks up the Wayne Rooney – Max Bird partnership, but Cocu has few other options with Duane Holmes still injured.
Shinnie, who joined Derby last summer prior to Cocu’s arrival, needs to rediscover his top form is he is to establish himself as a potential regular at Pride Park.
The final change sees Chris Martin return upfront. Martin posted a superb hat-trick of assists in the excellent 3-1 win at Sheffield Wednesday last weekend.
(Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images).
Derby are a better side with Martin leading the line. The former Norwich City man can link play, provide a focal point upfront and he is back to his creative best.
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