The fall from a prospective promotion-hopeful outfit to an underperforming unit, Derby County have themselves to blame for letting themselves down. Having won just 1 out of their last 10 league outings, the Rams have indeed squandered an incredible opportunity of getting into the top flight and would likely have to wait for another season to have another go at promotion to the Premier League.
Coming from a 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest, Derby County have accumulated 53 points from 38 games and due to host Queens Park Rangers at Pride Park Stadium on Saturday. Here is how Gary Rowett might dish out his starting line-up against the Rs.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Derby County Lineup To Thwart Queens Park Rangers
Defence
No surprise expected as far as the goalkeeping role is concerned as Scott Carson should be starting between the sticks for the Rams. The 31-year-old goalie has bagged 15 clean sheets so far this campaign already and hasn’t really been the guilty party in his side’s miserable form of late. Starting ahead of Carson, we expect a four-man defensive wall, comprising of Cyrus Christie, Richard Keogh, Alex Pearce and Marcus Olsson.
Baird should start from the bench after an average outing against the Tricky Trees which implies that Christie should get a nod on the right-back slot once again. While Keogh and Pearce should be teed up at the heart of Derby County’s defence, Olsson should start on the left. Left-back, Craig Forsyth still remains sidelined owing to his knee injury.
Midfield
George Thorne is still out with a fractured leg; Rowett is likely to persist with the 4-2-3-1 formation, with the duo of Craig Bryson and Bradley Johnson is anticipated to start the proceedings to not only cushion their backline but to also create openings for their side’s offensive endeavours.
While Tom Ince is likely to be stationed on the right wing to bang goals by cutting inside, Matej Vydra should be starting from the left wing. To be operating from the no. 10 role should be Johnny Russell.
Attack
David Nugent hasn’t been really prolific for Derby County but then, he carved his name on the score sheet and that might play a key part in his selection for the starting line-up over Darren Bent. A lot shall rely upon how Nugent discharged his duties in rattling the Hoops’ defence and frankly speaking, the Derby-based club would thoroughly rely on him to put the opponents on the back foot.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Derby County Lineup To Thwart Queens Park Rangers
Carson
Christie-Keogh-Pearce-Olsson
Bryson-Johnson
Ince-Russell-Vydra
Nugent
