Two changes from 4-0 win: Derby County predicted XI vs Barnsley

Paul Warne will be fairly pleased with his Rams side as things stand. They are unbeaten in three in all competitions and have only lost two games in their last 10 in the league.

His side sit in seventh place just two points off the playoffs with a game in hand. However, they face a very tough test this weekend in the form of Barnsley.

The Tykes are currently fifth in the league, three points ahead of the Rams and unbeaten in five games.

Paul Warne will be hoping that his Derby side can finally prove that they are a promotion contender by beating a team gunning for the same fate.

Last time they met, Barnsley were 4-1 victors at Oakwell, a scoreline that the Rams will be hoping won't repeat itself.

The clash kicks off at 3pm at Pride Park on Saturday and Paul Warne will have a few tough lineup decisions to make before then.

Here is the predicted XI for Saturday's game.

Formation - 4-2-3-1

Goalkeeper: Joe Wildsmith

Goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith has been excellent this season and despite having a quality backup in the form of Josh Vickers, there is no reason for Paul Warne to drop him at this point.

The only way he won't start every game from here on in would be due to an injury or suspension.

Left back: Craig Forsyth

Derby's seasoned veteran hasn't dissapointed yet again this year. Many believed it would be the season where he retires to a frequent bench spot with the signing of Callum Elder in the summer.

But Forsyth has simply been the better player so far, so he deserves to start again.

Centre back: Eiran Cashin

Eiran Cashin is the first of the changes from the 4-0 win over Northampton Town as he was suspended for that game. The young centre back isn't likely to lose his place however as he is undoubtedly one of the best defenders in the league.

Centre back: Curtis Nelson

Curtis Nelson has been fantastic so far this season. He almost scored from a corner in the Rams last game against Northampton and will be eager to get off the mark.

He has had the chance to rest as he didn't feature in the midweek EFL Trophy game vs Wolves U21s so he'll be ready to go come Saturday afternoon.

Right back: Ryan Nyambe

Nyambe has been a standout performer since joining the club in September. Many fans have been left wondering why Paul Warne didn't pick him up sooner.

He has established a solid place in the starting XI and won't be moving out of it any time soon.

Centre midfield: Conor Hourihane

Derby's captain will be eager to get back out onto the pitch on Saturday after scoring a brilliant late equaliser against Crewe Alexandra in the FA Cup last weekend.

Centre midfield: Korey Smith

Korey Smith has been quietly having an impressive season for the Rams. The midfielder goes under the radar a lot but has put himself in a position to start most games alongside Conor Hourihane.

He'll be hoping to keep that trend going on Saturday.

Attacking midfield: Max Bird

Max Bird was simply fantastic in the last league game for the Rams. Against Northampton, he scored twice and ran the show going forward.

Paul Warne is trying to play him in a more attacking role, and if it continues the way it has started, Bird will be crucial to the Rams success.

Left wing: Nathaniel Mendez-Laing

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing has found himself in a vein of form at the moment, with three goals in three games in League One.

He is becoming Derby's biggest scoring threat and should be tough to handle for Barnsley too.

Right wing: Joe Ward

Joe Ward is now back and fully fit. He'll be hoping to show the Derby fans just what he can do pn Saturday and show why Paul Warne brought him to the club in the first place.

It would have been a start for Kane Wilson here, but as he played 90 minutes on Wednesday night, Paul Warne is more likely to pick the fresher option in Joe Ward.

Striker: Conor Washington

Washington has shown his capabilities in front of goal in recent games with goals in the last two league games. It has separated him from the likes of Martyn Waghorn and James Collins for now despite a Collins hat trick in the EFL Trophy on Wednesday night.