Gary Rowett to make 3 changes – Predicted 4-2-3-1 Derby County lineup to face Nottingham Forest
Once the final whistle rang out around Loftus Road, Derby slipped to another damaging draw against a side they would have expected to beat. At that point, the thoughts of most Derby fans would have turned to the vital game against their East Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
Derby will now be looking over their shoulders after only managing one win in their last nine Championship games, and with promotion rivals Bristol City and Middlesborough sitting just behind them. In the East Midlands Derby, form goes out the window but Derby will be hoping that this game will be a catalyst for them until the end of the season.
Team News
With both Joe Ledley and George Thorne out with injury, Rowett will be looking to provide Bradley Johnson with an opportunity to step up in the big game. David Nugent will miss this game as well, and Chris Baird serves the final game of his suspension.
Predicted Formation 4-2-3-1
GK – Scott Carson
The former England international is still in brilliant form despite those in front of him losing confidence. It will be his job to keep The Rams in the game if they do slip up.
LB – Craig Forsyth
It is likely that Forsyth will keep his place ahead of Marcus Olsson who has fallen out of favour. He will want to improve on his showing against QPR.
CB – Curtis Davis
The centre-back shook off a knock to take part in Tuesday’s game, and although he wasn’t at his best, he will be up for the challenge of this weekend.
CB – Richard Keogh
The captain always raises the game for Derby, but he will have to drag the whole team with him if he wants to make the difference.
RB – Andre Wisdom
Offered very little against QPR, and will only keep his place because Derby have no other options. Needs to be much more composed in this game.
DM – Tom Huddlestone
He will need to grab the game by the scruff of the neck and drive his team forward from midfield. Huddlestone is an academy lad, he knows how much this means to the city.
DM – Bradley Johnson
Bradley Johnson got the opportunity to prove that he is worth giving a chance to against QPR but slipped at just the wrong moment to let the Hoops score. Will be looking to make amends. He will either score a cracker or get sent off.
AM – Andreas Weimann
Scored the goal against QPR that he thought would be the winner. However, he will need to turn his frustrations on the Forest defence.
AM – Matej Vydra
Got a rest against QPR but he will need to hit the ground running. If he can get any space against The Reds, he can be devastating.
AM – Kasey Palmer
Tom Lawrence has offered nothing in attack for several weeks now, whereas Palmer has come in and scored goals and provided assists. The decision for Gary Rowett should be an easy one.
ST – Cameron Jerome
The big former Norwich striker will have another opportunity to prove that he is up to the task of leading the line for Derby County, the jury is still out.