With just under a week to go until Derby County return to domestic action, it’s time for Paul Warne to think about his team selection, and there are a few changes the Rams boss has to make for the next game.
It has been a pretty good season for Derby County so far, with the newly-promoted side sitting in 12th place in the Championship table after 15 games.
However, Paul Warne’s side are closer to the relegation zone than they are the play-offs as things stand, and will need to be at their best throughout the festive period to ensure they do not get sucked into a battle for survival.
If that does happen, Derby could suffer due to Warne’s record in relegation fights, but the Rams do have a promising run of four games coming up against teams at the lower-end of the table, and will be desperate to put together some positive results.
Looking ahead to the game against Preston North End on Saturday afternoon, Warne will need to adjust his lineup, and these three changes can help him get the result he needs.
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Eiran Cashin returns from suspension
The most obvious tweak Warne will want to make to his team is to reintroduce Eiran Cashin, who returns after the one-game suspension that kept him out of the draw against Plymouth Argyle last time out.
The Irish defender has played the full 90 minutes in all but one of his appearances this season, and has even captained the side three times this term.
Pairing him with the imperious Curtis Nelson at the back will help Derby be even more solid in defence, and while it does mean Nat Phillips will need to drop out, it’s a change Warne will not lose any sleep over.
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Corey Blackett-Taylor needs to start on the wing
Warne will have more of a headache when it comes to his options on the wing, though, with a big decision over whether to play Kayden Jackson or Corey Blackett-Taylor.
Jackson has been the preferred choice so far this season, but there have been fairly vocal calls among the fanbase for Blackett-Taylor to be introduced now, and it could be time to give the 27-year-old his chance.
It wouldn’t quite be a direct swap, though. Blackett-Taylor is more effective on the left wing, which actually works out perfectly for Rams captain, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, who prefers playing on the right side anyway.
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Paul Warne should gamble on Dajaune Brown
Paul Warne has largely relied on the experienced head of Jerry Yates so far this season, and the seasoned marksman has three goals to his name already, including two in his last two.
So, why would the Derby County boss drop Yates? It’s nothing against the 28-year-old, but Dajaune Brown is a very different player, and could offer exactly what the Rams need to unlock Preston on Saturday.
Brown is quick, skillful, and has already shown what he can do in front of goal with his strike against Hull City. The youngster has been used sparingly so far this season, but has been mightily impressive whenever he has come off the bench. Now, let’s see what he can do from the start.