One Derby County gem has surely earned a start vs Sunderland after his Norwich City cameo.
Derby County will be looking to bounce back after an unfortunate 3-2 defeat at the hands of Norwich City.
It was the first time they had dropped points at Pride Park so far in the 2024/25 Championship campaign and it took place in unlucky fashion as controversial refereeing decisions that went against Derby County stole the headlines.
The first goal for Norwich City and Borja Sainz evidently should have been disallowed after the ball clearly went out of play in the build up, and it has sparked questions delivered towards Paul Warne in regards to whether VAR should be introduced in the Championship.
Aside from the officiating mistakes in the game, Warne had plenty of positives to take from the game, including a positive substitute cameo from Corey Blackett-Taylor, although he wasn’t the only one to come on and make a positive impact as one of his fellow teammates also made a significant difference, which could leave the Rams boss considering a start for him.
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Derby County gem Tawanda Chirewa must be utilised against Sunderland
The Rams will be hoping to return to winning ways, although they will face a stern test on the road against Sunderland.
With it in mind that Warne’s side are set to be up against the cosh against the current Championship high-flyers, who have won every home game so far this season, he may look to switch up his attacking options with the ‘excellent’ Tawanda Chirewa.
Chirewa has had very few opportunities since his loan arrival from Wolves, however he looked to be a very exciting signing during his short cameo against Norwich City, and he looks as if he could add an extra dynamism to the wide play and give the Sunderland defence something extra to think about.
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Nathaniel Mendez-Laing must make way for Tawanda Chirewa
If Warne was to bring in Chirewa for his first league start for the club, he will have to consider out of his wide options who would be dropped as a result, and whilst the Rams didn’t offer much of a threat in either flank, it would be likely that Nathaniel Mendez-Laing would make way for the youngster.
Whilst Mendez-Laing did look to bring the ball forward on occasions, including in the opening minutes where he set up a big chance for Jerry Yates with an outside-the-foot cross into the centre, he offered little else and looked to be somewhat of a liability when Warne’s side were on the back foot.
It can almost be guaranteed that Warne’s side will be facing a stern test as they play Sunderland, with their side likely to be set up very defensively, and with it being shown that Mendez-Laing isn’t the best option to do this, Chirewa could easily be brought in for his extra energy, whilst also looking to make a positive impact going forward.