Derby County clinched a spectacular 4-1 win over Barnsley at the Pride Park Stadium last weekend and they must be delighted with their prospect of getting promoted to the Premier League.
The Rams are due to face Fulham in the first leg of the Championship play-offs at the home turf of the former. Gary Rowett’s side need to be at their best to beat Slavisa Jokanovic’s side as the London based outfit have dazzled in the Championship this season and finished 3rd.
Ikechi Anya and Sam Winaall are sidelined by injury and are set to miss the contest. Marcus Olsson is slightly doubtful for the fixture after having left the pitch in the first-half against Barnsley and is apparently having a knee problem.
Here is how we expect Rowett to place his starting XI against Fulham.
Goalkeeper
Scott Carson is expected to be placed under the bar yet again. The 32-year-old has managed 19 clean sheets from 44 league appearances and has been one of the best goalkeepers in English division this season.
Defence
A three-man defensive wall is set to be rolled out by Rowett once again comprising of Richard Keogh, Craig Forsyth and Curtis Davies. These three have churned an excellent understanding amongst themselves and a lot will depend upon how the trio fare against the Cottagers.
Keogh has looked very comfortable with the ball at his feet and he has been able to maintain his calmness and composure more often than not. While injury concerns have been rough on Forsyth, Davies has been one of the best defenders in the Championship this season.
Wingbacks
Andre Wisdom has been exceptional after he moved into the right wing-back position and has maintained a fine balance between his defensive duties and offensive endeavours. He should be one of the first names to find a place in Rowett’s starting line-up. Andreas Weimann is expected to start from left wing-back.
Midfield
Tom Huddlestone has had good season in the Championship and he is set to be placed in the central midfield alongside Bradley Johnson. Johnson certainly has the ingredients to control the game from the middle of the park and he showcased the same during the game against Barnsley.
Attack
Cameron Jerome has been in good form of late and Rowett will be keen to use him this weekend to spearhead his side’s attack. While Matej Vydra is likely to start from the right-wing, Tom Lawrence should keep his place in the left-wing to offer his offensive tooth in the final third.
Statistics Credits: Squawka
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