Derby County players in celebratory mood. (Getty Images)
Derby County were held to a 1-1 draw away from home by Swansea City in the Championship on Wednesday night, as Wayne Routledge cancelled out Richard Keogh’s header.
Currently 6th in the standings and a point clear of Middlesbrough, the Rams have their fate in their own hands heading into the final game of the season against West Brom at Pride Park, knowing that a victory would guarantee them a place in the playoffs.
West Brom have already made it to the playoffs and the Baggies will be looking to get one over Frank Lampard’s side after an impressive 2-1 victory over already-relegated Rotherham United last week.
Richard Keogh had to leave the field in the 1-1 draw at Swansea due to a groin injury and he is unlikely to feature for the Rams on Sunday. Craig Bryson (ankle), Ashley Cole (groin) and Duane Holmes (groin) are doubtful to play a part, while Curtis Davies and Craig Forsyth are long-term absentees for Derby County.
The Dutchman has done well to retain his No.1 position between the sticks ahead of Scott Carson and he once again put in a solid shift in the mid-week clash against Swansea.
The youngster put up an impressive display against Daniel James on Wednesday and Derby will need him to be at his best once again on Sunday.
He looked shaky at times during the mid-week clash and he will need to pull up his socks a bit against West Brom.
Lampard doesn’t have too many alternatives at the heart of the defence and he might have to rely on Evans if Keogh doesn’t recover in time.
The Chelsea loanee made some good challenges against Swansea and looked really assured at the back.
The former Leeds and Norwich man put up an influential display in central midfield on Wednesday and Lampard should rely on him in the must-win clash against West Brom.
The former England international is a massive asset to Derby with his bagful of Premier League and European experience and his presence might be a deciding factor on Sunday.
The Welshman wasn’t particularly impressive in the last game and Derby will need him to hit top gear against a potent West Brom side.
The Liverpool loanee has been a key figure behind Derby’s challenge for a playoff spot this season and the Rams will be looking up to him to deliver the goods on Sunday.
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The Chelsea loanee played in a No.10 role in Lampard’s 4-2-3-1 system against Swansea and it will be interesting to see how the manager uses him against West Brom.
The No.9 position continues to be an area of real concern for Derby and Lampard might opt to continue with Waghorn ahead of Jack Marriott, though neither of them has done an awful lot this season.