Will Hughes To Start – Projected 4-3-3 Derby County Line-Up To Face Brentford

Predicted Derby Lineup To Face Brentford

Gary Rowett has done a terrific job since arriving at Derby, with a late winner from Tom Ince at Rowett’s old club, Birmingham, lifting his side to 8^th in the table at present.

Another tough away day comes now when he takes the Rams to Brentford, who are fully capable of a big result on their day. 4-3-3 has been working well for Rowett and he might stick with the same this time as well.

Expected Starting XI:

Manager: Gary Rowett

Formation: 4-3-3

GK – Scott Carson

It is hard to see why Carson won’t line-up in goal again to add his valuable experience to the defensive cause.

RB – Cyrus Christie

Chris Baird has done a superb job in this position recently, but the attacking threat of Christie from right-back may just be called upon here.  A tough choice for Rowett.

CB – Richard Keogh

The skipper is inspirational for his side and will line-up alongside Alex Pearce once more. Keogh will be crucial during set-pieces at both ends of the field.

CB – Alex Pearce

Now 28, Pearce’s experience is starting to show in games and the former Reading stopper will be important again.

LB – Marcus Olsson

The Swede fits right into the mould of a typical modern left-back, with pace and attacking threat. His defensive qualities aren’t in question, but it is his ability going forward which may be more important for Derby this time.

RM – Jacob Butterfield

The former Huddersfield midfielder was signed for a big fee but he is yet to give Derby his very best. He’s back in the side now though, and under Gary Rowett, he may be crucial to Derby’s run-in as they chase an unlikely play-off place.

CM – Bradley Johnson

The big money man from Norwich is a huge presence in the middle of the park and quietly goes about his business.

LM – Will Hughes

Replaced Butterfield from the bench last time, but may well get into the starting XI in favour of Craig Bryson this time. Will have to watch if the talented left-footer finally fulfills his potential.

RW – Tom Ince

A player of Premier League quality, Ince may well add to his tally of 13 goals and 7 assists in the league this season.

ST – David Nugent

Still the central point of Derby’s attack, he is having an excellent season and will keep the Brentford centre-backs occupied all afternoon.

LW – Johnny Russell

Tthe Scot would line-up on the left and provide some great link-up with Olsson. Do watch out for Ikechi Anya replacing him at some point when the game becomes stretched.