Predicted Derby County line-up to face Preston in the Championship

Derby County will travel to the Deepdale Stadium on Friday night, as they gear up to take on Preston North End in matchday 30 of the 2018-19 EFL Championship.

Frank Lampard’s men are currently sixth place in the table, with 46 points from 28 matches (W13, D7, L8). Their last league game ended in a 2-1 triumph over Reading, following which they edged past lower league side Accrington Stanley 1-0 in the fourth round of the FA Cup this past weekend.

Derby came away with an easy 2-0 win over Preston the last time the two sides clashed at the Pride Park in August last year. And they must look to repeat that performance and come away with another victory if they are to consolidate their position in the playoff positions.

Team News

New signing Ashley Cole is still not fully match fit, while on-loan Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount remains sidelined. The Rams have been boosted by the return of goalkeeper Scott Carson, along with Tom Lawrence and Craig Bryson.

Andre Wisdom is close to a return, as is striker Jack Marriott, who missed the cup tie with an illness. Youngster Jayden Bogle is suspended for the game.

Predicted Derby County XI

Manager: Frank Lampard

Formation: 4-3-3

Kelle Roos (GK)

The 26-year-old Dutchman has performed admirably in the absence of first-team regular Scott Carson and should hold on to his spot between the sticks, despite the latter coming back to full fitness.

Duane Holmes (RB)

With both Jayden Bogle and Andre Wisdom unavailable, Lampard is likely to be forced to used Duane Holmes as a makeshift right-back against Preston.

Richard Keogh (CB)

The 32-year-old seasoned campaigner has been a permanent fixture at the heart of the defence for the Rams and that is unlikely to change for their trip to Deepdale.

Fikayo Tomori (CB)

Partnering Keogh at the centre of the backline is on-loan Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori, who has missed just one Championship game for Derby this term.

Scott Malone (LB)

With Ashley Cole still not fit enough to start, summer signing Scott Malone is expected to hold on to his place on the left side of the defence.

Tom Huddlestone (DM)

The experienced midfielder did not feature against Accrington Stanley in the cup tie at the weekend. However, he is likely to replace George Evans at the base of the midfield on Friday night.

Craig Bryson (CM)

The 32-year-old Scotsman is fit again and should walk back into the starting XI, occupying the midfield slot for the visitors at Deepdale.

Harry Wilson (CM)

The on-loan Liverpool starlet has been in sensational form for the Rams, scoring 12 goals and setting up 4 more in 27 matches in all competitions. He should start in an advanced midfield role against Preston.

Martyn Waghorn (RW)

The former Ipswich Town man scored the only goal of the game against Accrington, taking his tally to six goals for the season. He should hold on to his spot on the right flank.

David Nugent (ST)

With Jack Marriott only recovering from illness, he is unlikely to be rushed back into action, meaning David Nugent is in line to start at the tip of the attack once again.

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Tom Lawrence (LW)

The 25-year-old attacker has returned to full fitness and should start out on the left wing. An important player for Derby, he must look to add to his tally of five goals for the season.