A massive clash is brewing between Preston North End and Derby County, and the stakes couldn't be higher! But before the whistle blows, let's dive deep into the team news – because the starting lineups could make or break either team's chances.
John Eustace has just unveiled Derby County's lineup for their Championship battle against Preston North End at Deepdale (kick-off at 3pm). Get ready for some changes! The Rams are shaking things up with a whopping five alterations from the squad that faced Leeds United in the Emirates FA Cup last Sunday. Will these changes be enough to secure a victory?
In defense, Matt Clarke is back in the starting eleven, providing a much-needed boost. Danny Batth, after his appearance at Pride Park last week, gets another chance to impress. Callum Elder also makes his return at left-back, having enjoyed a rest during the cup match.
The midfield sees the return of David Ozoh, who's been sidelined since November due to a thigh injury sustained in the away game against Blackburn Rovers. This is his first start since then, and all eyes will be on him to see if he can recapture his pre-injury form. But here's where it gets controversial... is Ozoh truly match-fit, or is Eustace taking a gamble?
Alongside Ozoh, Lewis Travis gets his first league start since October and will proudly wear the captain's armband. This is a significant show of faith from Eustace. Can Travis lead the Rams to victory?
In attack, Ben Brereton Díaz, who's been on a scoring streak in his last two games, will be looking to continue his impressive form in his 22nd league appearance for Derby. Rhian Brewster, who came off the bench against Leeds, gets the nod to start at Deepdale.
Patrick Agyemang also finds himself back in the starting lineup after being rested at Pride Park.
Derby's January signing, Oscar Fraulo, who made his debut with a 45-minute appearance in the cup, starts on the bench. He'll be hoping to make an impact if called upon. And this is the part most people miss... Could Fraulo be the secret weapon Derby needs to unlock Preston's defense later in the game?
Here are the confirmed lineups:
Preston North End: Walton (GK), Whiteman (C), McCann, Storey, Dobbin, Lewis, Gibson, Devine, Osmajić, Offiah, Potts.
Substitutes: Cornell (GK), Valentin, Lindsay, Jebbison, Frøkjaer, Thompson, Smith.
Derby County: Zetterström (GK), Batth, Clarke, Langås, Agyemang, Brewster, Ozoh, Elder, Brereton Díaz, Travis (C), Clark.
Substitutes: O’Donnell (GK), Forsyth, Blackett-Taylor, Weimann, Salvesen, Thompson, Ward, Nyambe, Fraulo.
So, there you have it! Agyemang's inclusion is interesting, doesn't it seem like a risky move to rely on someone who was rested? What do you think of Eustace's choices? Do you agree with the changes he's made, or would you have preferred a different lineup? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Who will win this match?
