Derby County travel to Swansea City on Saturday looking for their first Championship away victory since the opening day of the season.
The Rams have one of the best home records in the league. On their travels, however, Phillip Cocu’s side are the complete contrast and among the league’s worst.
But they go into the game at the Liberty Stadium in good form. Consecutive home wins over Stoke City (4-0) and Northampton Town (4-2) have raised confidence.
Here is how we believe Derby will line up:
Phillip Cocu made changes for the FA Cup replay against Northampton Town. But in the league, the Dutchman will likely revert to the team that beat Stoke convincingly.
Ben Hamer will come back in between the sticks, replacing Kelle Roos. Jayden Bogle returns at right-back, pushing Andre Wisdom into the middle alongside Matt Clarke.
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Scott Malone played well against Northampton. However, Craig Forsyth is a better fit at left-back and his height could be important at set-piece situations.
Former Academy prospect Max Bird should return in midfield. The 19-year-old has struck up a decent midfield partnership with Wayne Rooney also sitting deep.
Tom Lawrence, Duane Holmes and Chris Martin retain their places.
The biggest decision manager Phillip Cocu must make is regarding attackers Jack Marriott and Martyn Waghorn. It seems both can’t play at the same time.
Marriott offers a bigger threat in behind and can stretch teams. But, Waghorn is more physical and is capable of playing in a wider role to support a centre-forward.
Waghorn, who cost Derby £5 million, is the club’s leading scorer with nine goals. The former Ipswich Town man deserves to start and will likely get the nod ahead of Marriott.
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