Derby County will be eager to pick up where they left off when they tackle Cardiff City at Pride Park this weekend as the Championship resumes after the international break.
Buoyed by a wonderful 3-0 victory over Bristol City, head coach Paul Warne’s team selection isn’t quite as straight forward as you would think. That’s because Marcus Harness and Nat Phillips, two deadline day signings from Ipswich and Liverpool respectively, are both expected to come into the squad.
But the big question Warne faces is does he change a winning team particularly after overseeing the best performance of his reign last time out. And if Phillips and Harness don’t start, then he has to decide who misses out on the bench given Corey Blackett-Taylor and Conor Washington both sat out the City win.
Derby County writer Leigh Curtis has picked the team he thinks should start this weekend and here he picked a 4-3-3 formation
Jacob Widell Zetterstrom: Has quickly established himself among the fanbase and played a key role in the win over Bristol City before the international break. Absolute guaranteed starter.
Ryan Nyambe: When he signed on a free transfer, Paul Warne said he was a Championship defender and he has proven that and more since Derby returned to the second tier. Should start at right-back.
Curtis Nelson: After such a towering performance against Bristol City, it’s hard to see him being left out despite Nat Phillips’ arrival from Liverpool on deadline day. The adage is never change a winning team.
Eiran Cashin: Has to play because with Derby allowing their centre-backs to play out, he is comfortably the best central defender when it comes to passing, helped by the fact he started out as a midfielder.
Callum Elder: The Australian has had an excellent start to the campaign and provides plenty of gusto going forwards. Defending has been sound too. Playing well at the minute.
David Ozoh: Produced a colossal performance in the win over Bristol City and looks every inch a Premier League star in the making. Adds athleticism, pace and strength to the midfield.
Ebou Adams: Will be relishing the prospect of facing the club who sold him to Derby this summer. Technically not quite there at Ozoh’s level, but his hunger, desire and ability to get round the pitch makes him a shoo-in.
Kenzo Goudmijn: Grabbed his first goal in a Derby shirt against City and will be eager to carry on where he left off after such a mesmerising midfield performance.
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing: Joins Adams, Nelson, Phillips and James Collins as the players who used to play for Cardiff. After being made captain, he will start on the left wing.
Jerry Yates: Rightfully won the man of the match award after such a livewire display against City and was so close to his first goal for the club. More of the same will be needed.
Kayden Jackson: Has hit the ground running at Derby and scored a beauty against Bristol City. Offers pace, hard work and skill. Is full of confidence at the minute and it shows.
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