Derby County travel to Elland Road to take on Leeds United in arguably the standout Championship game this weekend.
The Whites currently top the table, and they will be out for revenge following the Rams’ memorable 4-2 playoff semi-final second leg victory over Leeds last May.
(Photo by Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty Images).
Leeds are favourites as Derby struggle to get going under new manager Phillip Cocu. The Dutchman has won just one of his seven league games in charge of the Rams.
Here is how we believe Derby will line up at Elland Road.
Jayden Bogle is still out injured which is a massive loss. Natural left-back Max Lowe has impressed in his absence, but he doesn’t offer the same quality in attack.
The defence and midfield are likely to be unchanged from the side which drew 1-1 with Cardiff City last time out. Duane Holmes returning makes a big difference.
Krystian Bielik will have a big job on his hands. The Pole will be tasked with marking compatriot Mateusz Klich, while also helping Scott Malone deal with Pablo Hernandez.
Tom Lawrence’s yellow card against Cardiff last weekend was his fifth of the season. The Wales international will therefore miss the trip to Leeds via suspension.
Cocu has a big decision to make. Does he change system to try and get Jack Marriott and Martyn Waghorn as a front two? Or does he replace Lawrence like-for-like? Florian Jozefzoon could be the right call, but question marks have been raised over his form.
(Photo by Harriet Lander/Copa/Getty Images).
Jozefzoon was signed by former manager Frank Lampard for £2.75 million. The Dutchman made 28 appearances last season, posting just two goals and one assist. He needs a long-awaited breakout performance, and Leeds away is as big as they come for Derby fans.