Derby County have made a good start to life back in the Championship, but Paul Warne may be pushed to make significant system changes at Pride Park.
Derby County were widely expected to struggle in their return to the Championship after gaining automatic promotion from League One the previous season.
However, with three wins from six games, they are in a very respectable tenth place at this early point. Home form has been crucial, with all wins coming at Pride Park and all away games ending in loss.
Last season, Paul Warne was not afraid to modify his system, playing with four at the back while also deploying a three-man defensive with wing-backs on a regular basis. However, in the early stages of the 2024/25 season, the Rams have only used a four-man backfield, generally in a 4-3-3 formation.
The Derby County manager has outlined a clear strategy for their Championship recovery, but a new injury issue for left-back Callum Elder may push Warne to reconsider his plans.
The Elder worry
Elder, 29, has been a consistent contributor for the Rams thus far this season.
As a result, he has overtaken Craig Forsyth as Warne’s preferred left-back. However, the Australian was taken off in the second half of the weekend’s defeat to Sheffield United, raising concerns over a groin issue.
Derby County have a logical successor in long-serving veteran Forsyth, but rather than bringing the slightly less well-known defender into the fold, Warne might consider switching to a three-man backline, which worked him well last season.
Who comes in?
Warne will have to decide whether to remain with his system, which has worked well so far, by putting Forsyth into the starting XI, or to switch to a back three and replace Elder with more natural wingers and a third central defender.
Ben Osborn is another possibility at left-back, but with David Ozoh ill, he is needed in midfield.
Switching to a back three may see right-back Ryan Nyambe slide in on the right, with Joe Ward or Kane Wilson on the flank. Alternatively, summer loan signing Nat Phillips can slot into the back three alongside Curtis Nelson and Eiran Cashin, allowing Nyambe to either move to wing-back or be dismissed from the starting lineup.
Starting Liverpool loanee Phillips in a back three over Forysth in their familiar system may be a better option. Despite their injury issues, Derby County has options, which is encouraging.
Time will tell how long Elder will be out, but Warne will have the proper backup procedures in place in case.
