Predicted Derby County Lineup To Face Wolverhampton Wanderers
Unfortunately, after much hype and expectation, Derby’s performance at Sunderland basically showed that they have severely lacked the number of new recruits they need, before claiming to be title contenders.
Andre Wisdom, Curtis Davies and Tom Huddlestone are all quality but in losing their top scorer (Tom Ince), a massive dent has been left in the squad and as yet, the club have not been able to replace that sort of output. Here they face a tough test against Wolves and may once again employ a 4-3-3 system:
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Gary Rowett
GK – Scott Carson
The ex-England man has quietly gone about his business since the last time he played for his country but remains solid at this level.
RB – Andre Wisdom
The former Liverpool defender looked a decent replacement for Cyrus Christie on paper, but I do still wonder why you let one of the better attacking full-backs in the division leave in the first place.
CB – Richard Keogh
Despite the competition, Keogh remains in the squad and in fact scored the Rams’ goal in midweek before their cup game was abandoned.
CB – Curtis Davies
A crucial new signing and one who won’t let the side down, he will at least keep this end tight. But the rest is up to the forwards.
LB – Craig Forsyth
The Scot can keep his place in the starting XI, having done well at Sunderland last Friday.
RM – Jacob Butterfield
The former Huddersfield man was an expensive signing and has since flattered to deceive. But maybe this is his season.
CM – Tom Huddlestone
The former Hull and Tottenham man is back at the club now and is a more rounded player than before. He still has Premier League quality and much like Davies, he will not let anyone down.
LM – Bradley Johnson
Scored the goal at the Stadium of Light and on that basis, he will probably keep his place in the midfield.
RW – Andreas Weimann
Needs to improve plenty to get back to his best, but the Austrian is still young enough and can start again here.
LW – Johnny Russell
An under-rated player and one who will undoubtedly pop up with goals when given the chance. May or may not find himself out of the side when replacements come in for Ince though.
ST – Chris Martin
As we’ve written before, Martin may not be prolific but he is a very good centre-forward at this level and is one who will bring the likes of Weimann, Russell, Butterfield and Johnson into play. So goals coming from those four would be no surprise.