Derby County ended the last game in a frustrating stalemate against a relegation threatened Burton Albion side as they missed yet another opportunity to break into the top half of the Championship table. The Rams now have 48 points from 32 games with a game in hand.
They next face Aston Villa away from home, which is always a tricky fixture. Villa have been quite impressive at home so far compared to Derby’s away record and Steve Bruce’s men are the favourites going to the game.
Defence
Scott Carson is expected to take his position between the sticks. The goalie did a good job of keeping his team in the game until the last minute, although the forwards failed to make any kind of breakthrough at the other end.
McClaren is expected to make some changes again from the last match as yet another hectic schedule is in sight. The first-choice backline is expected to start this time. Marcus Olsson is expected to replace Max Lowe in the left-back position and Chris Baird will take his position on the other defensive flank. Cyrus Christie started the last game on the right defensive flank and the boss is expected to place him on the bench this time.
Richard Keogh is the only change not expected in the weekend’s game from Derby’s last fixture. Alex Pearce started last time and expect Jason Shackell to partner the skipper this time.
Midfield
Young Julien de Sart is likely to start as the holding midfielder. The 22-year-old has wasted no time getting into the thick of things, establishing himself as one of the most important players in the side. He is likely to start behind Will Hughes and Bradley Johnson this time. Jacob Butterfield started the midweek’s stalemate against Burton Albion and Johnson remained unused from the bench.
Johnson has scored twice and registered one assist from the midfield this season. The 29-year-old brings a different attacking dimension to the midfield playing alongside the talented Hughes.
Attack
Tom Ince is expected to step in his favoured right-flank again. The 25-year-old had a frustrating game in the midweek and would be desperate for goals this time. Ince is Derby’s highest scorer with 11 goals so far. Abdoul Camara started from the bench last game and although the boss brought him on in the final quarter replacing Ikechi Anya, nothing could materialise.
Darren Bent will start up front spearheading their attack. The 33-year-old has scored nine goals so far and McClaren will hope he finds the net early to calm the nerves in such a high-octane fixture.
