Predicted Derby County line-up to face Preston in the Championship
Derby County return to Championship action on Friday night when they take on Preston North End at Deepdale.
The Rams booked their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 1-0 victory over Accrington Stanley on Saturday. Now Frank Lampard will hope to see his Derby County side get all three points at Deepdale.
But it won’t be an easy task for Lampard’s boys as Preston North End made it back-to-back wins in the league last weekend and will look to make it three on the bounce on Friday.
Team News
Jayden Bogle will serve a one-match suspension following his sending off against Accrington Stanley on Saturday.
Jack Marriott missed the win over Accrington due to illness but could come back into the squad for Derby’s trip to Deepdale. Mason Mount was forced out of action in the first half of the FA Cup game at Wham stadium and is expected to miss Friday’s game.
Meanwhile, Marcus Olsson, Craig Forsyth and Curtis Davies remain sidelined by injury.
Probable Derby County XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Frank Lampard
Kelle Roos (GK)
With Carson injured, Roos has started the last three games for Derby County in all competitions and is expected to retain his place between the sticks.
Fikayo Tomori (RB)
Tomori could be deployed at right-back against Preston following Bogle’s one-game suspension.
Richard Keogh (CB)
It’s an easy pick as Keogh has been a mainstay in the Derby County XI since the start of the season.
Tom Huddlestone (CB)
Huddlestone could be paired with Keogh in central defence on Friday.
Scott Malone (LB)
Malone has established himself as the first-choice at left-back. He is a certain starter at Deepdale.
George Evans (CDM)
Evans will sit in front of the back-four, break up opposition’s attacks and control the game on Friday.
Duane Holmes (LCM)
Holmes could be used in central midfield this time out following Mount’s injury at Accrington.
Harry Wilson (RCM)
With 10 goals and two assists, Wilson is one of Lampard’s weapons in the attack. He definitely starts against Preston.
Martyn Waghorn (RW)
Two goals in the last three games must have given Waghorn a lot of confidence. His good form of late makes him an easy pick for the upcoming fixture.
Florian Jozefzoon (LW)
Back from injury, Jozefzoon will look to make a case for himself on Friday as Derby eye all three points.
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David Nugent (ST)
Nugent did well in the FA Cup win over Accrington and should get the nod ahead of Marriott.