Derby County will have to give everything and more to go past Leeds United in the second leg as they didn’t threaten much in their home tie. Frank Lampard would have been disappointed that his side failed to muster up a single shot on target and now they must overturn a one-goal deficit at Elland Road in the return leg.
Lampard will need to find a way to get the likes of Mason Mount and Harry Wilson in dangerous areas on the ball in the attacking third. Leeds United kept the possession with comfort for most parts of the game, and that would worry the manager the most as his players were often pinned down in their half. A controversial penalty call didn’t go his way as well which at that time looked like their only way of scoring. However, he must hope for a turnaround happening as there is just one goal in it and Leeds are far from being comfortable at the moment.
Team News: Martyn Waghorn is the only major absentee for the Rams.
Odds: Derby County are a huge 11/2 odds to qualify to the playoff finals of the Championship, according to odds on most popular betting sites. As Leeds United are just a single goal ahead, Lampard’s men could be great value at that price.
Derby County Predicted Lineup Vs Leeds United
Formation (4-3-3)
Lampard has played with a 4-2-3-1 formation in the past few games but having that extra man in midfield in the last game didn’t help. The manager would be better off pressing from the top to trouble this Leeds team, and 4-3-3 could be the right way to go.
Defence
Kelle Roos is expected to keep his place in goal once again. Fikayo Tomori has been a crucial player for the Rams this season, and he is set to start in defence. The experienced Richard Keogh should partner him. The left-back spot is likely to be occupied by Scott Malone. He will need to keep the tricky and smart operator Pablo Hernandez in check. Jayden Bogle is a nailed on starter from the right side of the defence.
Midfield
Bradley Johnson could start in the deepest role in midfield, and the former Norwich man will need to have a terrific game if Derby want to overturn this deficit. Mason Mount should partner him further ahead. Duane Holmes should complete the midfield three.
Attack
Harry Wilson was often left isolated for the most parts of the game, and Derby needs to get him on the ball regularly to cause problems to the Leeds defence. He is set to start from the right. Tom Lawrence is expected to keep his place on the left. Jack Marriott could be a better option than David Nugent to start up front.
