Gary Rowett returns to former side Birmingham City this weekend with Derby County looking perhaps to rub his relative success in their faces somewhat after Rowett was harshly canned by the club back in December 2016. His Rams are now 2nd in the league and are going great guns, even running Manchester United close at Old Trafford in the FA Cup last weekend. So this game is in danger of being an anti-climax for them.
To avoid that, I reckon Rowett will find a way to get all of his big-hitters out there and so the temptation to rest people against a very poor side will be resisted.
Matej Vydra, David Nugent, Bradley Johnson and Curtis Davies may all return to the line-up in a familiar looking 4-4-2 formation:
I’ve praised Carson before and will again. Having been one of many ‘keepers to be thrust into a big club too soon and equally so in an England role, he has had his critics. He remains solid though and can help Derby become a top-level side once more.
Played at Old Trafford and may just be given another chance to impress at Championship level. If not, then Baird will once again line-up at right-back.
The veteran defender has been excellent once again for the Rams and should get his regular partner back for this Midlands clash.
Will most likely come back in and probably won’t have the most difficult of afternoons at St. Andrew’s. He will, of course, need to remain switched on in any case.
Solid enough at left-back and gets forward very well when the chance arises.
A great passer of the ball and, much like Shelvey last season at Newcastle, can afford to sit back and pick out his passes in this division.
Derby have plenty of options in this position but Bradley is solid enough and should get the call.
Derby miss Ince of course, but Russell is doing a good job of keeping a similar shape, cutting inside from the right whenever he gets the chance.
Living up to his billing this season after getting his way to play down the middle on the long-term – a crucial player.
May keep Tom Lawrence out of the side, although it’ll be close.
The Rams may still look for a new no.9 this month but for now, Nugent is the man.
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