Derby County will try to return to winning ways this weekend when they host Norwich City at Pride Park.
The Rams lost 1-0 to Sheffield United last time out, with Gus Hamer scoring the only goal for the Blades, as County’s pointless run away from home continued.
Paul Warne’s side has lost three games in a row on the road, which contrasts sharply with their home form, in which they have swept aside all who have come before them in front of their own fans.
With the goal of seeing that streak continue, we chatted with Football League World’s resident Derby County fan commentator, Shaun Woodward, on how he believes his team will prepare for the Canaries visit.
Callum Elder injury issue will effect Paul Warne decision for Norwich City clash
Warne was forced to make a late substitution against the Blades last time out, with Callum Elder appearing in pain as he exited the field with an apparent groin injury.
With that in mind, the Australian is certain to miss this weekend’s game, joining David Ozoh and Liam Thompson on the injured list for the newly promoted team.
This will necessitate modifications to the County setup, and rather than going for the same thing, Woodward believes he has the solution that will truly take the game to the Canaries.
The County fan said: “Callum Elder was injured last Saturday; I’m not sure how long he’ll be out, but I’m guessing he won’t be ready for Saturday.
“The natural choice would be to bring Fozzy [Craig Forsyth] in at left-back as a straight swap, but I would personally go with Ben Osborn at left-back and Marcus Harness in center midfield.
“I believe that is a more attacking alteration; it maintains our 4-3-3 shape, and especially at home, it adds another attacking man to the pitch.
“That is what I would do, but the alternative would be to bring Nat Phillips in and play a back three, which I believe is very negative at home.
“So personally, I would be putting Osborn in to slot in at left-back, and then Harness can replace Osborn in centre midfield, so we have a 4-3-3, and then that looks quite attacking for playing at Pride Park.”
Groin injury latest blow for Callum Elder
Elder made only eight league starts last season owing to a variety of physical difficulties, so the current setback is the last thing he would have wanted after securing a spot in the County side.
The defender has started every one of Derby’s first six games, and the setback will be difficult for both the player and the manager, as Warne is forced to shuffle the pack this weekend when the Canaries visit.
Warne [above] told the Derby Telegraph about the incident: “Callum felt his groin as he was corkscrewed up for the penalty claim in the second half.
“He signaled the bench, and we attempted to get him off. And, in the pinnacle of sod’s law, they challenge him again, and he simply overstretches.
“I believe, and by asking the player if he is okay and they say no or not, poor gaffer, his look when he replied no suggests to me that he has injured his groin, which is a setback for him and the squad. “He’s been excellent.”
Although the setback will be difficult to accept, Woodward has demonstrated that County still has plenty of options for future cover, with Elder projected to be sidelined for some time due to his recent injury.
Whether Warne chooses prudence or an aggressive mindset remains to be seen, as the Rams want to maintain their impressive run of success in front of their home fans.
