Chelsea boss Frank Lampard (Getty Images)
Derby County suffered a shock 2-1 defeat at the hands of Stoke City away from home in the Championship on Wednesday night.
The Rams dominated the game in terms of possession but could not take their chances to bag the much-needed three points.
Frank Lampard’s men slipped to 7th in the Championship standings and the Rams will be looking to turn their fortunes around when they play host to Swansea City on Saturday.
Curtis Davies suffered a serious injury in the last game and is ruled out for Saturday’s clash while Joseph Ledley is back to training from his back injury and will be pushing for a return to the matchday squad.
Craig Forsyth (cruciate ligament), Marcus Olsson (cruciate ligament) and Mason Bennett (hamstring) are all long-term absentees.
He was at the top of his game against Stoke City as he got a hand to both the goals but couldn’t keep them out but Lampard should continue to rely on the veteran.
He failed to close down the attackers quickly enough in the last game and will be expected to put in a better shift on Saturday.
The veteran had a decent game against Stoke and Derby will need him to be at the top of his game for this one.
The Chelsea loanee came on to replace the injured Davies in the last game and should start this one.
He supported the attack very well in the last game with his crosses and will be expected to do the same on Saturday.
Bradley Johnson had a terrible game against Stoke which might prompt Lampard to turn his attention back to the English international.
He wasn’t at the top of his game on Wednesday night against Stoke and will be expected to rise to the occasion on Saturday.
He is one of the big stars at the club and Derby will need him to spark that creativity in the final third against Swansea.
The Liverpool loanee will be in high spirits after scoring from a wonderful free-kick in the last outing.
He put in a strong performance against Stoke and should be amongst the starters for this one as well.
Unlucky to have hit the post on Wednesday and Derby will be banking on him to deliver the goods when they play Swansea at the weekend.