Paul Warne will have some big calls to make over Derby County’s side against Cardiff City.
Derby County are looking to build on their positive start to the season against Cardiff City at Pride Park.
With two consecutive home wins in the league under Derby County’s belt, they will be hoping to continue that form past the international break, with the Rams looking hopeful against the struggling Bluebirds.
Cardiff City are yet to win a game in the 2024/25 Championship campaign, and Derby County will find themselves in the unfamiliar territory of being the favourites to come away with three points.
In terms of selection, except an injury sustained by Tawanda Chirewa that has ruled him out of action, Paul Warne finds himself with an abundance of options across the field, and it will be interesting to see who will get the nod against Cardiff City.
Here are three things that Derby County fans will be looking for in the squad…
Will Marcus Harness be handed his Derby County debut
Marcus Harness joined Derby County on Deadline Day from newly-promoted Premier League outfit Ipswich Town, with him joining up with former teammate Kayden Jackson at Pride Park.
There are no doubts that he will bring firepower to the Derby County attack when he is introduced, and Warne will have a decision on whether to start him against Cardiff City.
As a winger, his introduction would likely see either Kayden Jackson or Nathaniel Mendez-Laing drop out, unless there is a formation change up Warne’s sleeve, something that he has previously hinted at.
Will Ben Osborn return to action
Ben Osborn has been absent from the previous few Derby County matches as a result of injury, however he is fit and ready to return to the squad against Cardiff City.
It would be incredibly harsh for Warne to drop any of Kenzo Goudmijn, David Ozoh or Ebou Adams, and it would be no surprise to see Osborn eased into action and be brought in off the bench in the second stanza.
On the other hand, Warne could see the former Premier League midfielder as indispensable and could potentially take out Adams for him.
Who will drop out for Nat Phillips
It is clear that Warne regards new Liverpool loanee Nat Phillips very highly following his Deadline Day arrival, and there are no doubts that he will start at home to Cardiff City.
Warne could either go for a back-three in order to play Phillips alongside Eiran Cashin and Curtis Nelson, however in a back four, one of the centre-backs will have to drop out.
Both Nelson and Cashin have been in brilliant form at the back for Warne’s side, however the likelihood of dropping out would likely swing towards the latter.