Derby County will host West Bromwich Albion at Pride Park this weekend. The Rams are coming on the back of a 2-1 defeat against Bristol City, and they sit 14th on the table right now. Meanwhile, the Baggies are undefeated in their first four games as they have won two and drawn two matches so far.
The Rams got the better of the Baggies on both occasions last season in the Championship. However, new manager Phillip Cocu might need some time to get his ideas and tactics across to his new side. Both teams are expected to be playoff contenders atleast, and we can expect a closely fought encounter in this tie. Derby might have lost to Bristol City in the midweek clash, but they dominated the game for large parts and showed plenty of positive signs that they could turn things around.
Team News: Midfielder Duane Holmes is doubtful for this tie. Former Liverpool defender Andre Wisdom is expected to miss out due to injury. Craig Forsyth and Jayden Bogle are also going to be unavailable.
Derby County Predicted Lineup Vs West Bromwich Albion
Formation (4-3-3)
Defence
Kelle Roos is a nailed-on starter in goal for Derby. The club relies heavily on the experience of Richard Keogh in defence, and he should start again as a centre back. On-loan defender Matt Clarke is likely to complete the centre back partnership for the home team.
Bogle is a big miss down the right side of the defence. Max Lowe is expected to continue filling in for him even though he is a left-back by trade. Scott Malone is likely to play in the left-back slot.
Midfield
West Brom are known to be a free-flowing team, and Tom Huddlestone will have to be at his best in the defensive midfield position. Krystian Bielik started the last game against Bristol City, but he might miss out this time around.
George Evans should be fresh as he didn’t play a part in the previous game so he could be drafted into the playing eleven as a midfielder. Everton’s on-loan midfielder Kieran Dowell will likely complete the midfield three for Derby.
Attack
Florian Jozefzoon missed the last game, and we think that he should be given a start down the right flank. Tom Lawrence is a crucial player for the Rams. He is likely to start on the left. Jack Marriott managed a goal off the bench last time around, but Martyn Waghorn is expected to keep his place up front.
