Dwight Gayle's first start: Derby County predicted XI vs Charlton Athletic

Derby County vs Charlton Athletic kicks off at 7.45pm on Tuesday 27 February

Derby County will be desperate to bounce back after they suffered a defeat to promotion rivals Barnsley on Saturday.

A quick turnaround could be just what Paul Warne's side would have wanted as they face Charlton tonight back at Pride Park.

The Rams could close the gap at the top to just four points with a win and in turn keep rivals Bolton and Barnsley behind them in the table.

Here is the predicted lineup that Paul Warne will send out against Charlton tonight.

Formation - 4-2-3-1

Goalkeeper: Joe Wildsmith

Joe Wildsmith playing for Derby County at Pride Parkplaceholder image
Joe Wildsmith playing for Derby County at Pride Park | Getty Images

Joe Wildsmith has started every game since the last time Derby faced Charlton. He will get his first chance against them tonight with Josh Vickers still not back to full health.

Left back: Callum Elder

Callum Elder playing for Derby County against Bradford Cityplaceholder image
Callum Elder playing for Derby County against Bradford City | Getty Images

Callum Elder has also had a good run in the team recently due to an injury to Craig Forsyth. He will likely start again tonight.

Centre back: Eiran Cashin

Eiran Cashin playing for Derby County against Oxford Unitedplaceholder image
Eiran Cashin playing for Derby County against Oxford United | Getty Images

Eiran Cashin made a costly mistake against Barnsley to let them through for a second goal. He will be desperate to put things right this evening.

Centre back: Curtis Nelson

Curtis Nelson playing for Derby County against Northampton Townplaceholder image
Curtis Nelson playing for Derby County against Northampton Town | Getty Images

Curtis Nelson suffered a head knock during Saturday's game but was able to carry on. So he should be fine to start again today.

Right back: Ryan Nyambe

Ryan Nyambe playing for Derby County against Oxford Unitedplaceholder image
Ryan Nyambe playing for Derby County against Oxford United | Getty Images

Ryan Nyambe was brought on from the bench in the second half against Barnsley. He brought some energy to Derby's transition play and so Paul Warne could well choose him to start today.

Centre midfield: Conor Hourihane

Conor Hourihane playing for Derby County against Crewe Alexandraplaceholder image
Conor Hourihane playing for Derby County against Crewe Alexandra | Getty Images

Conor Hourihane wasn't able to help the Rams get a win against his former side on Saturday. He will be keen to make a bigger impact this evening.

Centre midfield: Ebou Adams

Ebou Adams joined from Cardiff City in Januaryplaceholder image
Ebou Adams joined from Cardiff City in January | Getty Images

Ebou Adams has been in the team ever since he signed and you can see why. The Cardiff loanee has been excellent. Despite picking up a yellow card against Barnsley, he should start tonight.

Left wing: Corey Blackett-Taylor

Corey Blackett-Taylor signed from Charlton in Januaryplaceholder image
Corey Blackett-Taylor signed from Charlton in January | Getty Images

Corey Blackett-Taylor wasn't fit when the Rams last played his former side in Charlton. He is ready to go today though and so may get a crack at his old teamates.

Right wing: Nathaniel Mendez-Laing

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing playing for Derby County against Northampton Townplaceholder image
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing playing for Derby County against Northampton Town | Getty Images

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing scored the only goal of the game the last time Derby and Charlton met. He will be hoping for more of the same today.

Attacking midfield: Max Bird

Max Bird playing for Derby County against Crewe Alexandraplaceholder image
Max Bird playing for Derby County against Crewe Alexandra | Getty Images

Max Bird has been playing in more of an attacking role lately and it has been really suiting him. The midfielder has been in fine form and will start against Charlton, no doubt.

Dwight Gayle came on for his debut against Barnsley at the weekend. He won't likely manage a whole 90 minutes, but expect to see him start and come off after an hour.

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