Minor changes in Derby County predicted XI in League One trip to Lincoln City

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Derby County vs Lincoln City kicks off at 3pm on Saturday 20 January

Derby County make a trip to Lincoln City as they look to make it three wins in a row this weekend.

The Rams currently sit in third place, level on points with second placed Peterborough and one point behind league leaders Portsmouth.

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They come off the back of a 3-2 win over local rivals Burton Albion in what was a tense evening for the Rams.

Paul Warne's side do have the chance to go top of League One with a win and if other results go their way. It would be the first time this season that Derby County lead the league.

Here is the predicted XI for Saturday's game:

Formation: 4-3-2-1

Goalkeeper: Joe Wildsmith

Joe Wildsmith playing for Derby County in a League One match vs Port ValeJoe Wildsmith playing for Derby County in a League One match vs Port Vale
Joe Wildsmith playing for Derby County in a League One match vs Port Vale | Getty Images

Joe Wildsmith was dropped by Paul Warne for the last two league games, but, especially against Burton, his replacement Josh Vickers looked somewhat nervous and so it would make sense for Warne to switch back to the solid Wildsmith.

Left back: Callum Elder

Callum Elder playing for Derby County in a League One match vs Oxford UnitedCallum Elder playing for Derby County in a League One match vs Oxford United
Callum Elder playing for Derby County in a League One match vs Oxford United | Derby County Football Club

Callum Elder seems to have claimed the left back spot of veteran Craig Forsyth. Elder was tipped to be the starting left back after he signed in summer, but a number of injuries have hampered him. The Australian will be hoping this is his chance to stay in the starting XI.

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Centre back: Curtis Nelson

Curtis Nelson playing for Derby County in a League One match vs Northampton TownCurtis Nelson playing for Derby County in a League One match vs Northampton Town
Curtis Nelson playing for Derby County in a League One match vs Northampton Town | Getty Images

Curtis Nelson is easily a part of the starting XI each and every week, the defender has been excellent alongside Eiran Cashin and will be a big part of the squad for the remainder of the season.

Centre back: Eiran Cashin

Eiran Cashin playing for Derby County in a League One match vs Oxford UnitedEiran Cashin playing for Derby County in a League One match vs Oxford United
Eiran Cashin playing for Derby County in a League One match vs Oxford United | Getty Images

Eiran Cashin will be desperate for a better defensive team performance today as the Rams conceeded twice against a Burton side who have been struggling for goals.

Right back: Kane Wilson

Kane Wilson playing for Derby County in a League One match vs Oxford UnitedKane Wilson playing for Derby County in a League One match vs Oxford United
Kane Wilson playing for Derby County in a League One match vs Oxford United | Getty Images

Kane Wilson was one of the best players on the pitch last time out. He was causing problems for the Burton defenders all game long and should be straight back into the starting XI yet again.

Centre midfielder: Max Bird

Max Bird playing for Derby County in an FA Cup match vs Crewe AlexandraMax Bird playing for Derby County in an FA Cup match vs Crewe Alexandra
Max Bird playing for Derby County in an FA Cup match vs Crewe Alexandra | Getty Images

Max Bird seems to be staying at Derby for now. There has been no extra bids for him from Hull City who were interested in Bird over summer. It could be great news for the Rams if he does stay.

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Centre midfielder: Conor Hourihane

Conor Hourihane playing for Derby County in an FA Cup match vs Crewe AlexandraConor Hourihane playing for Derby County in an FA Cup match vs Crewe Alexandra
Conor Hourihane playing for Derby County in an FA Cup match vs Crewe Alexandra | Getty Images

Conor Hourihane was brilliant in the last game, scoring Derby's winning goal in added time. He has been getting on the scoresheet a little bit more recently and will be aiming for more of the same on Saturday.

Centre midfielder: Liam Thompson

Liam Thompson playing for Derby County in a League One match vs Fleetwood TownLiam Thompson playing for Derby County in a League One match vs Fleetwood Town
Liam Thompson playing for Derby County in a League One match vs Fleetwood Town | Getty Images

Liam Thompson has been making more and more appearances from the bench recently. The high energy midfielder could bring something different to Paul Warne's side should he start on Saturday. An injection of youth in the side could really help.

Winger: Tom Barkhuizen

Tom Barkhuizen scored the Rams opener against Burton and also was awarded with the player of the match award. He will no doubt be in the starting lineup against Lincoln.

Winger: Nathaniel Mendez-Laing

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing playing for Derby County in an FA Cup match vs Crewe Alexandra Nathaniel Mendez-Laing playing for Derby County in an FA Cup match vs Crewe Alexandra
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing playing for Derby County in an FA Cup match vs Crewe Alexandra | Getty Images

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing earnt himself two assists on Monday night against Burton and could have scored himself. The winger is a big part of the reason why the Rams are where they are. He will definitley start on Saturday.

James Collins added to his tally with another goal on Monday night. He also scored two against Lincoln City last time the two teams met and so he will be eager to continue his good form this weekend.

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