Predicted Derby County line-up to face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup
Derby County will travel to Stamford Bridge as Frank Lampard’s boys face Chelsea in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday. It would be an emotional return to Stamford Bridge for Derby County manager Frank Lampard, who spent 13 years as a Chelsea player.
Lampard’s Rams come into the game on the back of a 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough in the Championship on Saturday.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have been on a roll under new manager Maurizio Sarri and flexed their muscles with a 4-0 thumping of Burnley.
Team News
Joe Ledley is set for a spell on the sidelines after undergoing a hip operation. Craig Bryson could miss the Chelsea game with a calf strain, while George Evans has a minor hip problem.
Meanwhile, on-loan Chelsea duo Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori have been given the permission to face their parent club.
Probable Derby County XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Frank Lampard
Scott Carson (GK)
Carson is Derby’s undisputed first-choice in goal and he is expected to start against Chelsea on Wednesday.
Jayden Bogle (RB)
Bogle quickly needs to forget the own goal he scored at the weekend against Middlesbrough and focus on redeeming himself at Chelsea.
Richard Keogh (CB)
Keogh has been rock-solid in the last few games for Derby. The leader of the backline, he is a certain starter for the Cup game.
Fikayo Tomori (CB)
Having been granted the permission to play on Wednesday, Tomori would be keen to show his qualities at Stamford Bridge.
Scott Malone (LB)
Malone has put in impressive displays lately at left-back and should get the nod ahead of Craig Forsyth.
Tom Huddlestone (CDM)
Huddlestone’s experience in such big games and ability to handle the pressure would come in handy. He is a certain starter against the Blues.
Bradley Johnson (RCM)
In an advanced role could be Bradley Johnson, who would add steel and energy to the Derby midfield.
Mason Mount (LCM)
Just like Tomori, Mount would look to catch the attention of Sarri by putting in a solid show against his parent club, Chelsea.
Harry Wilson (RW)
Wilson is living upto the promise in Derby colours and has become an indispensable figure for the Rams.
Tom Lawrence (LW)
Lawrence needs a run of games to get back his mojo. He is a creative player who should start on the left flank.
Read more: 2 Players who Derby must offload in January including this out of contract 28-year-old
Jack Marriott (ST)
Derby’s in-form striker, Marriott is an intelligent player who could give the Chelsea defenders a tough time with his movement.
