Derby County predicted XI for League One clash vs Lincoln City

Derby County will be hoping to bounce back from their 1-1 draw against Wycombe last Saturday tonight as they face Lincoln City.

Paul Warne's side sit in sixth place and can make it as high as third place with a win tonight.

They face a Lincoln side who sit in ninth, five points behind Derby who should provide a challenge when they visit Pride Park.

Ahead of the game, Paul Warne will be hoping for an improved performance from his players in a game that could put some pressure on their rivals.

Here is the predicted XI for tonight's clash.

Formation - 4-5-1

Goalkeeper - Joe Wildsmith

Joe Wildsmith's streak of clean sheets ended on Saturday after the Rams conceded a last minute penalty which led to an equaliser. He'll be hoping that his defence can help him to yet another clean sheet tonight.

Left back - Craig Forsyth

Craig Forsyth has been excellent this season, but he didn't play his best in the last game. The 34 year old will start again this week with the hope of putting in a better performance tonight.

Centre back - Curtis Nelson

Curtis Nelson won a player of the match award in the last game against Wycombe, however he will be disappointed that his side couldn't get a clean sheet. He will play a big part in stopping Lincoln City's attack later.

Centre back - Eiran Cashin

Eiran Cashin played fairly well in the Rams 1-1 draw with Wycombe on Saturday. The Irishman had to dig deep in what was a tough game for his side. Cashin will have to dig deep yet again tonight.

Right back - Joe Ward

Joe Ward had a tough day on Saturday as he gave away the penalty that led to Wycombe's last minute equaliser. He will be desperate to redeem himself and put in a good show tonight.

Centre midfield - Conor Hourihane

Conor Hourihane will be hoping to lead his side to a bounce back win tonight. The Rams captain will be eager to make a difference as he has been quiet as of late.

Centre midfield - Max Bird

Max Bird was also quiet on what was a disappointing afternoon for the Rams. As Derby will be trying to keep him at Pride Park in the transfer window, Bird will be a big focus point during the next few weeks.

Centre midfield - Tyrese Fornah

Tyrese Fornah has been in and out of the lineup all season long. With Korey Smith still out injured, Fornah could likely step in after Louie Sibley put in a poor performance on Saturday.

Left wing - Tom Barkhuizen

Tom Barkhuizen looked lively when he came on against Wycombe, scoring what everyone thought was the winning goal before the Rams conceded the penalty late on.

It should be enough to get the 30 year-old back into the starting XI and he will be hoping to make the most of it again so he can get some consistent game time.

Right wing - Nathaniel Mendez-Laing

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing had his first quiet game in a while last weekend and so the Guatemalan winger will need to be a big part of tonight's game as the focal point in the Rams' attack.

Collins hasn't scored in the League since Derby's 3-0 win against Barnsley in November and so he will be keen to get back on the scoresheet later on.