Derby County started their new campaign by securing a narrow win against Reading. They left it late though as Tom Lawrence found the back of the net in the stoppage time to make it 2-1, giving a good start to Frank Lampard’s regime at Pride Park. The Rams will now host Leeds United, who went past Stoke City comfortably in their first encounter.
Derby County have been in and around the playoff spots for quite a few years now. However, they have been unable to break the playoff hoodoo. Last season also they faltered in the semi-finals after finishing sixth in the league. They will be hoping that under the new management of Lampard, they can finally get over the line and secure a move to the English top flight.
Playing at home will be an advantage for Derby County, but they will have to improve from their first game’s performance. Lampard had a productive summer regarding acquiring players, but he would need to be slow and steady in respect to giving the new signings a run into the team.
Team News
Most of the new signings like Martyn Waghorn, Scott Malone and Fikayo Tomori are not expected to start. Barring Marcus Olsson, none of the players are injured. There might be fitness issues for few, but Lampard will pretty much have a full squad to choose from tomorrow.
Let us have a look at the 4-3-3 Derby County predicted lineup Vs Leeds United that we are going with at The 4th Official.
Formation (4-3-3)
Defence
Scott Carson has been one of the consistent performers at Pride Park over the last few years, and he will continue his role in between the sticks. He would be joined by the centre-back pairing of Richard Keogh and Curtis Davies. The two would have to be on top of their game as the Whites’ movement up the pitch made a huge difference against the Potters. Andre Wisdom has been doing his job well in the right-back role, and Max Lowe will start down the left to complete the back four.
Midfield
Joe Ledley will play in his usual no.6 role, and his job will be to thwart away opposition attacks and nick the ball every now and then. The more creative input from midfield will be provided by the likes of Mason Mount and Craig Bryson. Mount, who is on loan from Chelsea, will be the one to watch out for after an impressive performance in the first game, where he has scored an equaliser.
Attack
Harry Wilson had an average first night in the Derby shirt, and he will be under pressure from new signing Florian Jozefzoon, who can start down the right wing. However, we expect Lampard to give one more opportunity to the Liverpool loanee to prove himself. Tom Lawrence would be expected to play down the left with David Nugent leading the line for the Rams. Nugent would have to start pulling strings soon as last season’s top scorer from League One, Jack Marriott, is waiting in the wings to get his chance.
