Predicted Derby County side versus Sunderland; playmaker misses out

Derby County face Sunderland in their first game of the Championship this season.

Deby County start the new season with renewed hope after finishing ninth in the Championship last season. The expectation will undoubtedly be for the Rams to finish in the Top 6 this time round, having a legitimate shot at promotion.

Gary Rowett, Manager of Derby County

The biggest departures in the close season have been the duo of Will Hughes and Tom Ince with both players leaving for Premier League sides. However, the recruitment this summer has been encouraging with the likes of Curtis Davies, Andre Wisdom, and Tom Huddlestone joining the ranks.

Former England international Tom Huddlestone’s arrival especially has the potential to be one of the best transfers in the Championship. The powerful midfielder possesses the quality and passing range only a few players can boast in the league.

Speaking to Derby Telegraphy, manager Gary Rowett admitted that the club expects to add a few more names to the roster before the end of the transfer window, which could include a move for Leicester City forward Tom Lawrence.

Striker Darren Bent is out with a long term hamstring injury, and Jason Shackell is expected to miss the game having just returned from injury. The duo of Matej Vydra and Nick Blackman will be assessed ahead of the Sunderland game (according to the Derby Telegraph).

Here’s how the Rams might lineup at the Stadium of Light:

Derby County vs Sunderland