Derby County will host Bristol City at Pride Park in a midweek encounter. The Rams are coming on the back of a draw against Stoke City. Cocu’s men have now drawn two back to back games in the Championship, and they are yet to find their full flow under the Dutch manager.
Both the teams are expected to be in the mix for the playoff spots so we can expect a closely fought encounter. Bristol City have also had a subdued start to the season as they won their first game of the campaign this weekend against QPR after losing to the same opponents in the Carabao Cup tie on penalties.
It’s tough to gauge where this game might edge towards bur the Rams should start as the slight favourites as they would be at home.
Team News: Jayden Bogle is a significant injury concern for Cocu, and he is going to miss out this midweek clash.
Derby County Predicted Lineup Vs Bristol City
Formation (4-3-3)
Cocu went in with two defensive midfielders in the last game against Stoke as he opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation. However, we think that this time around at home, he might take a bit more offensive approach and set up in a 4-3-3.
Defence
Kelle Roos is a clear no. 1 in goal right now after his impressive last season where he helped his side reach the playoff finals. He should start in goal once again. Veteran defender Richard Keogh will start in defence alongside on-loan defender Matt Clarke. Max Lowe is likely to fill in for the injured Jayden Bogle at right back.
Lowe is typically a left-back, but he is versatile enough to play from the right as well. Scott Malone is likely to start on the left side of the defence.
Midfield
Tom Huddlestone is expected to shield the back four as he will start in the deepest role in midfield. Versatile midfielder George Evans should partner him up ahead. The on-loan midfielder from Everton Kieran Dowell will most probably complete the midfield three, and he will play in a box to box role.
Attack
Tom Lawrence is a crucial player in Derby’s setup. He should start on the left. Florian Jozefzoon is likely to get the nod to start on the right flank. Martyn Waghorn managed a brace against Stoke City last time around, and he should keep his place up front. Jack Marriott will have to be satisfied with a spot on the bench.
