Competition for places in Derby County predicted starting XI vs Leyton Orient

Derby County look to make it five league wins in a row on Saturday as they make the trip to face Leyton Orient.

The Rams are currently in sixth place, just six points away from the automatic promotion spots and one of the most in form teams in League One.

Paul Warne will be hoping his side can keep the momentum going against a 16th placed Leyton Orient side who returned to League One this year after earning promotion last season.

However, Orient are winless in seven league games and will be desperate to avoid dropping points against the Rams this weekend.

Ahead of the weekend's clash, here is the predicted starting XI for Paul Warne's Rams side.

Formation - 4-5-1

Goalkeeper - Joe Wildsmith

Joe Wildsmith has been excellent this season and so barring any injury, he will remain as the Rams first choice keeper for the rest of the season.

Left back - Craig Forysth

Craig Forsyth has returned to his natural left back role this season from playing centre back last year. It seems as though wherever the 34 year-old plays, he will put in a solid performance for the Rams.

Centre back - Eiran Cashin

Amid transfer rumours for a possible move to the Premier League in January, Paul Warne will be hoping that Eiran Cashin keeps his concentration for now and continues to play as one of the best defenders in the league.

Centre back - Curtis Nelson

Curtis Nelson didn't start in the midweek EFL Trophy fixture, meaning he will be fresher and more prepared for Saturday's game. It is unlikely that Warne will continue with Sonny Bradley over Nelson because the latter has performed really well all season long.

Right back - Ryan Nyambe

Ryan Nyambe also didn't feature against Fleetwood in the EFL Trophy and so could be a possible bench candidate for the likes of Joe Ward. However, he will be fresh and has been more than good enough to keep his starting spot in the league.

Centre midfield - Conor Hourihane

Conor Hourihane has featured in every game that he has been healthy this season and so despite a few average performances, there is no reason why Paul Warne would drop the Rams' skipper this week.

Centre midfield - Max Bird

Max Bird is another Ram who could be on his way out in January, but this is unlikely to phase the midfielder who has shown a lot of maturity for a 23 year-old.

He will no doubt be a big part of the Rams' performance on Saturday yet again.

Centre midfield - Tyrese Fornah

Tyrese Fornah didn't feature in the midweek game vs Fleetwood Town and so it is a tough decision toput him back in here. But with Korey Smith still recovering from injury, his performances have been good enough to put him back in the starting XI.

Left wing - Nathaniel Mendez-Laing

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing is a no-brainer for Paul Warne. He has been one of the stand out players in League One this season and if the Rams are to have continued success, a lot of it will be down to the Guatemalan international.

Right wing - Kane Wilson

There could be a competition brewing here between Kane Wilson and Joe Ward for who starts on the right wing, but for now, Wilson will keep the place as he has been excellent.

Striker - James Collins

James Collins will likely get the start over Tyreece John-Jules on Saturday for two reasons. Collins scored twice in the Rams' midweek EFL Trophy win against Fleetwood and also the team have said they don't want to rush John-Jules back from injury.