Derby County travel to Hillsborough on Saturday to take on a Sheffield Wednesday side who finally managed to end their winless run in midweek.
The Owls scored a 94th minute winner to beat Charlton Athletic 1-0.
(Photo by George Wood/Getty Images).
It was Wednesday’s first win in eight Championship games. Derby, meanwhile, lost 2-1 at Queens Park Rangers despite missing plenty of presentable chances.
Manager Phillip Cocu will likely change things up as he usually does in three-game weeks. And, here is how we believe the Rams will line-up in Yorkshire.
Derby struggled to play out from the back at QPR despite dominating the ball.
The Rams had trouble breaking the lines and beating QPR’s press. Curtis Davies, for all his qualities, isn’t the best when distributing the ball from defence.
Andre Wisdom may come back into the middle, allowing Jayden Bogle to return at right-back after starting the past three games on the substitute bench.
Wayne Rooney has been missed in central midfield. He struck up an excellent partnership alongside Max Bird, giving Derby plenty of control through the middle.
But the injury to Duane Holmes prompted a shuffle around. Rooney played further forward, and Graeme Shinnie returned to the starting eleven alongside Bird.
The Rams have since lost some of their ability to play through the middle. Rooney is undoubtedly more effective in the holding role and may return there on Saturday.
(Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images).
Freeing up a spot in the attacking four could see Jason Knight come back in.
Jack Marriott’s disappointing evening at QPR may also see a change upfront. Chris Martin is due another start, and he could be preferred against the Owls.
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