Derby County face Leeds United at Elland Road this weekend.
Derby County travel to Elland Road on Friday night to take on Championship leaders Leeds United in what is arguably the standout fixture for the upcoming weekend.
The Whites are somewhat depleted, with several injury concerns and play-maker Samuel Saiz leaving to join Getafe on loan, giving Derby plenty of encouragement to pick up a positive result.
The Rams will be buoyed by their 2-2 draw with Premier League side Southampton in the FA Cup as they came from two goals down, although manager Frank Lampard now has a big call to make for the trip to Yorkshire.
Key player Harry Wilson missed the FA Cup tie following a hip injury sustained on New Year’s day against Middlesbrough, but he could be back in contention after training with the physios in midweek.
Wilson, a season-long loanee from Liverpool, has scored nine goals in 19 league starts this term and six in his last nine. The 21-year-old has a big influence on Derby, and he can produce that moment of magic.
Duane Holmes, however, was excellent against the Saints and he also produced a sparkling cameo performance as a late substitute against Boro. The summer signing from Scunthorpe deserves to keep his place.
Lampard will seemingly choose between the two for one of the wide roles as Mason Mount, George Evans and Craig Bryson will likely feature in midfield in a bid to combat Leeds’ high pressing style.
Wilson is certainly the bigger goal threat of the two players, but Holmes may give Derby more rhythm in possession while his pace when tracking back could be vital to his side’s chances of stopping Leeds getting crosses in and hurting the east Midlands side just as they did in their 4-1 win at Pride Park back in August.
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