Changes to be made in Derby County predicted XI vs Burton Albion

Derby County face familiar opposition this week as they face local rivals Burton Albion.

The two clubs are separated by just 13 miles and will be expected to sell out Pride Park on what could be an entertaining Monday night game.

The Rams come off the back of a 1-0 loss to Bradford City in the EFL Trophy, but before that recorded a 3-1 win in the league over struggling Fleetwood Town.

Paul Warne's side have now won four out of their last five league games and will be favourites against a Burton side who find themselves 17th in the league.

The Brewers appointed a new manager on Thursday morning and so could have the typical 'new manager bounce' especially in a marquee game such as the clas with the Rams.

Paul Warne will be hoping to continue the good form that his side have shown over the past few weeks.

Here is the predicted starting XI for Monday night's game.

Formation: 4-4-2

Goalkeeper: Joe Wildsmith

Joe Wildsmith has not featured in the Rams past two games, but he should expect to return to the starting XI again on Monday night.

Left back: Craig Forsyth

Craig Forsyth is in need of a good performance on Monday night as he hasn't been at his best recently. The 34 year-old will have Callum Elder ready to take his place should his dip in form continue.

However, a player with Forsyth's experience is sure to get back to his best sooner rather than later.

Centre back: Eiran Cashin

Paul Warne will be relieved that he has been able to keep Cashin at Pride Park until at least the summer. He will now play a big part in the Rams' promotion chase.

Centre back: Curtis Nelson

Curtis Nelson has been excellent since joining in summer and has established himself as an every week starter for Paul Warne this season.

Nelson's performances make him look as if he's played for Derby for a number of years rather than just half a season. A crucial part of a promotion chasing Rams side.

Right back: Kane Wilson

Kane Wilson will be needed over January to take the place of Ryan Nyambe who is at the Africa Cup of Nations with Namibia. Wilson certainly has the talent to step in and do a good job.

Centre midfield: Max Bird

Max Bird for now is still a Derby County player. He has still not signed a new contract with the Rams even though there's been an offer on the table since December.

Bird has attracted a lot of Championship interest and so could be on his way out. However, for now, Paul Warne will be eager to keep starting the midfielder.

Centre midfield: Conor Hourihane

Conor Hourihane is one of the most stable members of the first team for Paul Warne. His captain has been good recently and will be hoping that his leadership can help Derby to a strong second half of the season.

Left wing: Tom Barkhuizen

Tom Barkhuizen scored in Derby's last league game against Fleetwood Town. He will be hoping for the chance to keep his decent form going against Burton with another goal.

Right wing: Nathaniel Mendez-Laing

It is no secret that Mendez-Laing has been one of the best players in League One this season. He will start every week assuming he's fit and well.

The Guatemalan is key to the success of this Derby side.

Striker: James Collins

Collins has 11 goals in League One so far this season and over the past few weeks has been one of Derby's best players.

He will be hoping to add to his tally again on Monday.

Striker: Tyreece John-Jules

John-Jules has been getting to a point of starting more regularly now, he will be keen to show Paul Warne why he needs to keep starting him. The Arsenal loanee will be desperate to score on Monday night.