Handful of changes: Derby County team news and predicted XI to face Oxford United

Derby County are back in action this evening as they travel to face Oxford United off the back of their first away point this season.

Derby County drew 1-1 against Millwall on their travels at the weekend, finally putting an end to their 100% loss record on the road since returning to the Championship.

Image courtesy of: ANDREW COULDRIDGE/REUTERS.

The Rams initially went ahead through Jerry Yates with little over 10 minutes remaining, though conceded shortly after in the 85th minute and had to settle for a point. 

Paul Warne’s men remained 12th in the table as a result, and eyes will now be peeled on his next lineup selection at the Kassam Stadium.

Namibian right-back Ryan Nyambe was forced to come off through injury in the Rams’ latest outing. Whilst the extent of the injury is currently unknown, the Derby boss confirmed that the defender would definitely not feature within the next week or two.

Crystal Palace loanee David Ozoh had hoped to be back fit for the East Midlands outfit in time to face the Lions on Saturday. He failed to do so, and now it seems he is also set to miss tonight’s clash with Oxford despite aiming to train with the squad this week.

derby county, Handful of changes: Derby County team news and predicted XI to face Oxford United
Image courtesy of: CARL RECINE/REUTERS.

Ben Osborn returned from injury and made an appearance off the bench last time out, whilst Callum Elder and Sonny Bradley also returned to the matchday squad but did not feature.

Tawanda Chirewa is not far away from a return, whilst Tom Barkhuizen and Liam Thompson have recently featured for Derby County U21s alongside Jake Rooney.

Predicted XI

(4-3-3)

Zetterstrom; Elder, Cashin, Nelson, Wilson; Harness, Adams, Goudmijn; Mendez-Laing, Yates, Jackson.

The return of Elder to the matchday squad in the Rams’ last outing suggests that he may be ready to return to the starting XI this evening. He had been first choice prior to picking up a knock, and 35-year-old Craig Forsyth may benefit from a rest.

Kane Wilson was brought on to replace Nyambe on Saturday afternoon. He looked sharp against Millwall and is likely to be in from the off against Des Buckhingham’s side.

Warne might be tempted to bring Osborn back into the fold, though Marcus Harness has been bright in his recent starts and it would be harsh to drop him.

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing was dropped last time out, but he had only just returned from international duty for Guatemala. Corey Blackett-Taylor did not fully grasp his opportunity in the starting lineup, so it seems a likely swap.

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