Derby County have gone on a good run of form of late, but they will face a tough test when they travel to West Yorkshire to take on table toppers Leeds United. The Rams currently occupy the sixth spot and Lampard’s men were beaten 4-1 when the two sides met in August. Derby have definitely improved since then, and they should want to test United’s resolve, especially now that the Whites have been beaten thrice in their last three games.
Bielsa would hope that those results were just a minor blip but they cannot afford to take their foot off the gas. Leeds though should be delighted as they could have their best backline available after months as Liam Cooper is expected to be back in the lineup. Derby County though have got some decent results against top opponents as they beat Norwich City recently and drew against the likes of Southampton and Middlesbrough.
Team News
Harry Wilson’s situation is set to be assessed just before the game as he missed the FA Cup tie due to a hip issue. Scott Malone (groin), Mason Bennett (hamstring), Marcus Olsson (knee), Craig Forsyth (knee) and Curtis Davies (Achilles) are all likely to be unavailable for selection with various injury issues.
Derby County predicted lineup vs Leeds United
Formation (4-3-3)
Defence
The experienced and dependable Scott Carson is set to start in between the sticks. The defensive duo of Richard Keogh and Fikayo Tomori are expected to keep their place. They would have a tough task of keeping a dynamic United team quiet.
Andre Wisdom is likely to start as a left back in the back four. Jayden Bogle will keep his place on the right. The Rams have looked shaky at the back for the most parts this season, and they need to step up big time if they want to come away with something from this tough away tie.
Midfield
Mason Mount is likely to start as the deepest man in midfield. As mentioned, Harry Wilson’s situation is still unclear, and it could be touch and go with him. If he’s fit, he would definitely start in midfield given the form the Liverpool loanee is in right now. George Evans will complete the midfield, and he is expected to provide that creative spark.
Attack
Summer signing Florian Jozefzoon has done well and is now an established member of the squad. He should start down the left flank. Martyn Waghorn should keep his place on the right and last season’s League One top scorer Jack Marriott is expected to lead the line for Lampard’s side.
