Derby County players celebrate. (Getty Images)
Derby County put up a disappointing show at home and lost 1-0 to Leeds United in the first leg of the EFL Championship Playoff semi-finals.
The Rams have a tough job on their hands when they lock horns with Marcelo Bielsa’s side once again in the second leg of the semi-finals at Elland Road on Wednesday.
Kemar Roofe’s solitary goal handed Leeds a slender advantage going into the second leg and Derby have it all to do away from home if they are to make it to the finals at Wembley.
Frank Lampard’s side, however, will need to improve massively after failing to register even a single shot on target in the first leg at home.
Craig Bryson (ankle), Ashley Cole (groin), Martyn Waghorn (Achilles tendon) and Andy King are unlikely to play a part while Craig Forsyth and veteran Curtis Davies are long-term absentees for the Rams. Manager Frank Lampard might opt for a change in formation and adopt a more attacking approach in an attempt to overturn the deficit.
The Dutchman pulled off an important save in the first leg to keep Derby in the tie and he will be expected to retain his position as the No.1 between the sticks.
The youngster thought that he had won a penalty in the first leg but the decision was overturned by the referee.
The Irishman put in a solid shift at the back to restrict Leeds in the first leg and the Rams will need him to be at his best once again on Wednesday.
The Chelsea loanee put in another impressive performance at the back in the first leg and there is no reason why he should start this one as well.
He had a few awkward moments at the back in the previous outing and the Rams need a better effort from him this time around.
Bradley Johnson hardly made an impact in the first leg on Saturday and Lampard might put the former Spurs man in the eleven on Wednesday.
The British-American youngster showed a lot of energy in the final third and threatened to put the Leeds backline under pressure in the first leg at home.
The Chelsea loanee didn’t get enough space to work with last time around and Derby will need a lot more from him if they are to make it to the finals.
The Liverpool loanee has been a hugely influential presence for the Rams in the final third this season and they will rely heavily on him to produce that bit of magic.
The Welshman had a rather disappointing outing in the first leg at home and he will be expected to improve significantly in the reverse fixture.
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Nugent didn’t do enough as the focal point of the attack in the last game and Lampard might as well give Marriott a chance to lead the line on Wednesday.