Multiple changes likely including left back in Derby County predicted XI vs Port Vale

Derby County kick March off with a match against a struggling Port Vale side who are fighting for survival in League One.

The Rams have also hit a poor vein of form having lost their last two games and looking nervously around them to their fellow promotion contenders.

Derby do still sit in 2nd place, however, dropped points on Saturday could mean that they fall out of the top two, so Paul Warne will be desperate to get back to winning ways.

He is likely to change the team around after what was a poor performance on Tuesday night against Charlton.

Here is the predicted starting XI for Derby against Port Vale.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Goalkeeper: Joe Wildsmith

Joe Wildsmith made a game-changing error on Tuesday night, giving away a penalty and arguably getting away with a yellow card. However, he will most likely retain his spot in the starting XI due to Josh Vickers' injury status. However, once Vickers is back, Wildsmith may not appear again.

Left back: Louie Sibley

Louie Sibley has made appearances at left back on a number of occasions this season. With Warne likely to change things and injury doubts over Callum Elder and Craig Forsyth, he could put Sibley at left back instead.

Centre back: Eiran Cashin

Eiran Cashin will be desperate to cut out any mistakes that the Rams defence seem to be making at the moment. Facing Port Vale, he should be looking for a clean sheet.

Centre back: Curtis Nelson

Curtis Nelson could be in danger of breaking his record of playing every minute in League One this weekend. He didn't play well and Sonny Bradley has been playing well recently. However, with his solidity and partnership with Eiran Cashin, if Warne does revert to a back four, then it would be difficult to drop Nelson.

Right back: Kane Wilson

Kane Wilson did not play well on Tuesday, much like a lot of the squad. However, the defender will likely make another start on Saturday after bright spark Ryan Nyambe picked up a knock during Tuesday's match.

Centre midfield: Conor Hourihane

Conor Hourihane missed out against Charlton on Tuesday due to a minor knee issue. He should be fit to return on Saturday against Port Vale.

Centre midfield: Ebou Adams

Ebou Adams was one of the better performers in a poor side on Tuesday night. The midfielder played with high energy and was effective in causing Charlton problems.

Left wing: Tom Barkhuizen

Tom Barkhuizen didn't start on Tuesday night but came on a substitute in the second half. The winger could come back into the starting XI as a part of Warne's changes on Saturday.

Attacking midfielder: Max Bird

Max Bird was also a decent performer on Tuesday and arguably Derby's best player. He will be a key part of the run in to the end of the season. Especially if the Rams are to go up.

Right wing: Nathaniel Mendez-Laing

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing was quiet by his standards against Charlton, yet he was still one of Derby's best players. The Guatemalan international will start again on Saturday.

Striker: Dwight Gayle

Dwight Gayle made his first start for the Rams on Tuesday and looked lively albeit didn't manage to have a massive impact on the game. After a few more days getting used to Warne's system and his teamates, he will be keen to score and get off the mark on Saturday.