Derby County will look to confirm their place in the playoffs as they take on West Bromwich Albion at the Pride Park stadium. Their draw in the last game against Swansea City must have given their rivals Middlesbrough hope, and the Teessiders would be hoping for another favour from the Baggies.
Boro are set to play league strugglers Rotherham in their final game so Lampard would be aware that anything less than a win against West Brom could result in them slipping away from the sixth spot. The Rams though would take confidence from their previous encounter against West Brom as they thrashed them 4-1 away from home.
Team News
Richard Keogh suffered an injury against the Swans, and he is a major doubt in this clash. Apart from that, Lampard should have a strong set of players to choose his starting eleven from for this clash.
Derby County Predicted Lineup Vs West Bromwich Albion
Formation (4-2-3-1)
Lampard often used 4-3-3 at the beginning of the season, but now he has shifted to 4-2-3-1 which has brought him decent success in the past one odd month. We expect him to persist with this in this home tie as well.
Defence
Kelle Roos has emerged as the no. 1 shot-stopper over the experienced Scott Carson. He should continue between the sticks. Fikayo Tomori has been the mainstay of the Rams’ defence, and he is set to start in the heart of the defence.
He is expected to be partnered by George Evans as Keogh is likely to miss out. Scott Malone has contributed with two goals and two assists this season down the left, and he will be in a familiar left back role once again. Jayden Bogle is an established member of the first team, and he is expected to start on the right side of the defence.
Midfield
Tom Huddlestone is expected to start in midfield, and his first job would be to shield the back four. Winning the midfield battle is likely to be key in this must-win game for the Rams. He should be partnered by Bradley Johnson.
Mason Mount is the chief creator in the attacking third, and he should start in the no. 10 role. Liverpool loanee Harry Wilson is set to operate from the right flank. Wilson would often look to come inside and occupy central areas. Tom Lawrence is expected to start in a similar role down the left.
Attack
Last summer’s signing Martyn Waghorn is expected to lead the line over Jack Marriott.
