Tom Ince Starts – Strongest 4-4-1-1 Derby Line-Up To Face Wolves

Predicted Derby County Lineup To Face Wolverhampton Wanderers

After an encouraging revival under the stewardship of Gary Rowett, Derby have faltered of late and are on a mini-run of 3 games without a win.

This weekend’s opposition is Wolverhampton Wanderers, themselves on a poor run now having previously won 5 in a row.  Paul Lambert cannot seem to stick with anything like a settled line-up and I would think they are there for the taking at Pride Park.

There is no doubt that Derby County have a better squad and their overall profile is much more impressive than Wolves’ in recent weeks.  With this in mind, Gary Rowett can mastermind a victory by fielding a 4-4-1-1:

Probable Derby XI:

Formation: 4-4-1-1

Manager: Gary Rowett

GK – Scott Carson

The no.1 ‘keeper has held off the challenges posed by Kelle Roos and Jonathan Mitchell all season and can start between the sticks again.

RB – Cyrus Christie

The 24-year-old right-back is back in the side now and will keep his place. His runs down the Derby right can be vital, especially in overlapping Tom Ince.

CB – Richard Keogh

The skipper is having a good season and can marshal his defence from centre-back once more.

CB – Alex Pearce

In a settled-looking back line, Pearce can keep his place. He will partner Keogh at the back.

LB – Marcus Olsson

Assuming all is OK with his fitness, the Swede can line-up at left-back.

RM – Tom Ince

Came off the bench last time at Hillsborough in defeat to Sheffield Wednesday; he can start this time and will be looking to impress once more.

CM – Jacob Butterfield

While Hughes can’t quite manage to hold down his place regularly, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him replaced by the former Huddersfield man.

CM – Bradley Johnson

Bradley Johnson has played 36 times this season and has 2 goals and 2 assists to his name. He should start this game in central midfield.

LM – Ikechi Anya

The Scotland international probably has to provide more. 1 goal in 29 games this season is not a good record at all for a player in an advanced position but despite this, the former Watford man can start once more on the left.

SS – Matej Vydra

Another disappointing recruit, the 24-year-old Czech Republic international has not done the business since being moved to a preferred central position. Derby are short of options though and he will get another chance to show what he can do.

ST – David Nugent

Darren Bent has been playing up front lately, but the veteran striker was withdrawn at Hillsborough and replaced by Nugent who may start this time. The former Leicester City man has a real eye for goal and it would be no surprise to see him net in this one.