Derby County host Stoke City at Pride Park on Friday evening looking to bounce back following their defeat at Championship bottom club Luton Town on Tuesday.
The Rams surrendered their seven-game unbeaten streak with a 3-2 loss at Luton.
(Photo by George Wood/Getty Images).
Manager Phillip Cocu was angry with the way Derby threw away the lead on Tuesday. And, the Dutchman will be looking for a big response at home to Stoke.
Here is how we believe the Rams will line up:
Max Lowe’s red card at Luton means Scott Malone will come in at left-back.
Curtis Davies may be an option at centre-back. But, that said, Andre Wisdom and Matt Clarke weren’t the reason why Derby ended up losing at Luton in midweek.
Tom Lawrence has done little to justify his place in Derby’s team. The Rams may be tempted to bring Jason Knight back over to the left with Duane Holmes on the opposite flank.
The switch in system means striker Martyn Waghorn can have help upfront. And, Jack Marriott’s return from fitness could be ideal up against an improving Stoke defence.
Marriott, who cost Derby a projected £5 million fee, loves to run in behind. It allows the Rams to stretch the opposition and create more space in the middle.
The former Peterborough United man scored on his last start at Pride Park.
(Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images).
Stoke have taken ten points from their last four Championship games. They haven’t conceded a goal in their last three, including a clean sheet at West Bromwich Albion.
Phillip Cocu’s side will need to have a good game if they are to take all three points.
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