Predicted Derby County Line-up To Face Barnsley In The EFL Championship
This game is probably the biggest of the season for Derby County. Their fate is in their own hands. All they have to do is beat Barnsley and they will guarantee themselves their place in the playoffs for Premier League football. Nothing is ever easy for Derby, however, and there is no doubt that this will be a tough game for them.
Barnsley are also playing for a massive prize – the ability to stay in the Championship. They need to win this game to have any hopes of staying up this season. A massive match for both sides.
Probable Derby County XI
Manager: Gary Rowett
Formation: 3-4-3
Scott Carson (GK)
Carson has been brilliant for Derby this season and has aged really well. He seems to be getting better and he made some very good saves to keep them in the game against Villa.
Richard Keogh (CB)
Since coming back into the team after injury, Keogh has thrived in a three-man defence. He has been trusted with the ball a lot more and seems to enjoy striding out of the defence.
Curtis Davies (CB)
Davies has been one of the stand-out centre-backs in the Championship this year and he showed this again in the draw against Villa. He commands his team well and leads from the back.
Alex Pearce (CB)
Pearce came back into the backline against Villa and did really well. He should retain his place in the squad and keep the Derby backline solid.
Marcus Olsson (LWB)
Olsson is the natural left wing-back choice for Gary Rowett and although he hasn’t excelled there since the formation change, he seems like the natural choice for that position.
Andre Wisdom (RWB)
Andrew Wisdom has really thrived since moving into this more advanced right wing-back position. It gives him more freedom to get forward down that wing and grab some assists.
Tom Huddlestone (CM)
Huddlestone is starting to look a little leggy in the midfield for Derby but he does have the ability to provide that killer ball. Johnson next to him gives him the freedom to think in a more attacking manner.
Bradley Johnson (CM)
Johnson is the more defensive player of the midfield two and allows Huddlestone the space to find through balls to the attackers.
Tom Lawrence (LW)
Lawrence has been absolutely outstanding in the last few games for Derby. He seems to have excelled since being moved into a more advanced role and he is being asked to do less defensively. He is scary when running at a defence.
Kasey Palmer (RW)
When Palmer is in the mood, he can be very frightening for defences. He is very strong when running at defences.
Cameron Jerome (ST)
Jerome has been an absolute revelation in the last few games for Derby and he has really rejuvenated their season. He will be hoping to grab another important goal for them in this game.