The Rams are back in action this weekend, facing the Bluebirds, who have failed to win a game this season.
Derby County will be eager to continue where they left off when they face Cardiff City at Pride Park this weekend, as the Championship resumes following the international break.
Following a fantastic 3-0 victory over Bristol City, head coach Paul Warne’s team selection isn’t as simple as you might expect. That’s because Marcus Harness and Nat Phillips, two deadline-day signings from Ipswich and Liverpool, are scheduled to join the squad.
However, the key dilemma Warne confronts is whether he should change a winning team, especially after witnessing the best performance of his reign last time out. And if Phillips and Harness do not start, he must decide who will be left on the bench after Corey Blackett-Taylor and Conor Washington both missed the City win.
Derby County columnist Leigh Curtis has chosen the team he believes should start this Saturday, with a 4-3-3 formation.
Jacob Widell Zetterstrom: Has quickly established himself among the fanbase and played a key role in the win over Bristol City before the international break. Absolute guaranteed starter.
Ryan Nyambe: When he signed on a free transfer, Paul Warne said he was a Championship defender and he has proven that and more since Derby returned to the second tier. Should start at right-back.
Curtis Nelson: After such a towering performance against Bristol City, it’s hard to see him being left out despite Nat Phillips’ arrival from Liverpool on deadline day. The adage is never change a winning team.
Eiran Cashin: Has to play because with Derby allowing their centre-backs to play out, he is comfortably the best central defender when it comes to passing, helped by the fact he started out as a midfielder.
Callum Elder: The Australian has had an excellent start to the campaign and provides plenty of gusto going forwards. Defending has been sound too. Playing well at the minute.
David Ozoh: Produced a colossal performance in the win over Bristol City and looks every inch a Premier League star in the making. Adds athleticism, pace and strength to the midfield.
Ebou Adams: Will be relishing the prospect of facing the club who sold him to Derby this summer. Technically not quite there at Ozoh’s level, but his hunger, desire and ability to get round the pitch makes him a shoo-in.
Kenzo Goudmijn: Grabbed his first goal in a Derby shirt against City and will be eager to carry on where he left off after such a mesmerising midfield performance.
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing: Joins Adams, Nelson, Phillips and James Collins as the players who used to play for Cardiff. After being made captain, he will start on the left wing.
Jerry Yates: Rightfully won the man of the match award after such a livewire display against City and was so close to his first goal for the club. More of the same will be needed.
Kayden Jackson: Has hit the ground running at Derby and scored a beauty against Bristol City. Offers pace, hard work and skill. Is full of confidence at the minute and it shows.