Derby County will travel to the Bet 365 stadium to take on Stoke City in their third league game of the season. Cocu’s men opened their campaign with a win over Huddersfield but were held to a goalless draw against Swansea City in the next game.
The Rams have failed to keep a clean sheet in last five of their seven matches, and that might be a bit of concern to the new manager. Stoke City meanwhile are still looking for their first points of the season as they succumbed to a defeat against QPR and newly promoted side Charlton Athletic.
However, they should take some confidence from their midweek win against Wigan Athletic in the Carabao Cup. It’s still early days in the season, so it’s tough to gauge who will go in as favourites in this clash. However, we feel that the Rams will have an edge even though they will be the travelling team in this game.
Team News: Jayden Bogle will miss out as Cocu confirmed he suffered an injury in the game against the Swans. The manager recently said, ”He will be out for a certain period of time. He will not make it for the next two games, so we will have to see how he will be doing day-by-day.”
Derby County predicted lineup vs Stoke City
Formation (4-3-3)
Defence
Kelle Roos is undisputed no. 1 in goal right now after his impressive last season. He should start in between the sticks once again. The experienced Richard Keogh will start in defence alongside on-loan signing Matt Clarke. Versatile full-back Max Lowe is likely to fill in for the injured Jayden Bogle at right back. Scott Malone is expected to start on the left side of the defence.
Midfield
Tom Huddlestone is likely to provide the cover to the back four as he will start in the deepest role in midfield. Versatile midfielder George Evans should partner him. The on-loan midfielder from Everton Kieran Dowell should complete the midfield three for the Rams.
Attack
Tom Lawrence is one of the most integral players in the attacking half, and he should start on the left. Florian Jozefzoon should get the nod to start on the right flank. Martyn Waghorn is expected to begin over Jack Marriott upfront. Marriott played the full 90 minutes against Scunthorpe in the midweek clash so Waghorn should be fresh for this tie against the Potters.
