**Derby County Lineup: Stoke City Clash**

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Post on Nov 02, 2024

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Derby County Lineup: Stoke City Clash - Preview and Predicted Starting XI

The Rams are back in action this weekend, facing a tough test against their local rivals Stoke City at Pride Park. With both teams looking to climb the Championship table, this clash promises to be a tense and exciting encounter.

Derby County's Recent Form

The Rams have shown signs of improvement under Paul Warne, picking up valuable points in recent weeks. They'll be hoping to build on that momentum and secure a crucial victory against their rivals. However, they face a Stoke side also in good form. Can Derby take the bragging rights?

Stoke City's Current Situation

The Potters are in a strong position in the league, currently sitting within the play-off spots. Their manager Alex Neil has instilled a winning mentality in his squad, and they will be looking to continue their impressive form. They are a difficult team to break down, known for their physicality and attacking prowess.

Key Players to Watch

• David McGoldrick (Derby): The experienced striker will be a key threat for Derby, with his proven goalscoring ability and knowledge of the Championship.
• Lewis Dobbin (Derby): The young forward is full of pace and energy, and he could be a handful for the Stoke defense.
• Will Smallbone (Stoke): The midfielder has been instrumental for Stoke this season, providing both goals and assists. His ability to control the tempo of the game will be crucial for the Potters.
• Jacob Brown (Stoke): A prolific striker for the Potters, Brown will be looking to add to his goal tally and make the difference for Stoke.

Predicted Derby County Lineup

Paul Warne is likely to stick with a 4-4-2 formation, relying on a solid defensive base and looking to exploit Stoke's vulnerabilities on the counterattack.

• Goalkeeper: Joe Wildsmith
• Defence: Craig Forsyth, Curtis Davies, Eiran Cashin, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing
• Midfield: Max Bird, Conor Hourihane, Jason Knight, Haydon Roberts
• Attack: David McGoldrick, Lewis Dobbin

The Verdict

This is a difficult game to call. Both teams have the quality to win, and it will be interesting to see how the game unfolds. Stoke's form is good, and they'll be the slight favourites heading into the match. However, Derby are always a tough opponent at Pride Park, and they'll be looking to make it a difficult game for the Potters. Expect a tight and competitive match, with plenty of passion and intensity on display. The result could come down to a moment of individual brilliance or a defensive lapse.

Stay tuned for our post-match report and analysis after the game!