The return of two full-backs - Derby County predicted XI vs Crewe in FA Cup clash

Derby County begin their FA Cup campaign on Sunday with a clash against League Two highfliers Crewe Alexandra.

The Rams come off the back of a fantastic 4-0 home win against Northampton Town and will be feeling full of confidence ahead of the weekend.

Last season, they managed to get to the fourth round of the FA Cup where they faced Premier League opposition in West Ham, however they lost 2-0.

Paul Warne will be hoping his side can mount another cup run to give the fans something new to shout about.

Here is the predicted XI for Sunday’s clash:

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Goalkeeper: Josh Vickers

Josh Vickers hasn’t had many run-outs this season due to the quality of Joe Wildsmith in goal.

However, seeing as this cup game provides a chance for Warne to rotate the squad a little, it is likely that he’ll give the former Rotherham man the start on Sunday.

Left back: Callum Elder

Callum Elder hasn’t made an appearance since mid September due to injury. He fully returned last week but is yet to make an appearance since coming back.

Sunday could be a great chance for him to get back into the side.

Right back: Joe Ward

Joe Ward has now fully returned from his heel injury. He has come on from the bench in the last two games and so should be eyeing up a start.

He looked lively in Derby’s 4-0 win over Northampton and should expect to be starting games more and more as the season progresses.

Centre back: Eiran Cashin

Cashin missed out in the last game due to a suspension after he picked up his fifth yellow card of the season last weekend. He’ll be keen to return and Paul Warne will be keen to get him back out on the pitch.

Centre back: Sonny Bradley

Sonny Bradley looked a lot better against Northampton on Tuesday night. He hasn’t been able to break into the starting XI due to the quality of Nelson and Cashin, but Warne may be keen on giving him another chance on Sunday.

This will also give Curtis Nelson, who has started every game so far, chance to rest.

Centre midfield: Conor Hourihane

Conor Hourihane has been very up and down in terms of form lately. Paul Warne will be hoping that he can find his feet, because he can be exceptional on his day.

Sunday will be a great chance for him to get out there again and hopefully dictate the way that the Rams play.

Centre midfield: Tyrese Fornah

Tyrese Fornah hasn’t yet been able to consistently find a place in the starting XI, but as Paul Warne has plenty of midfield options, he’ll likely give them all a chance.

Fornah has the ability to be a real difference maker, with a good performance in the cup, he could earn himself more league starts.

Attacking midfield: Louie Sibley

Louie Sibley has been somewhat dissapointing so far this season, but knowing what he can be, Paul Warne will want to keep giving him opportunities.

Sunday’s ‘easier’ fixture would be a good chance for Sibley to show the Derby boss what he can do.

Left wing: Tom Barkhuizen

Tom Barkhuizen has looked electric when he’s been on the field. His match fitness is not fully back, but he should be a part of the Rams starting XI due to his pace and creativity.

If he starts, he could be a candidate to score on Sunday.

Right wing: Kane Wilson

Kane Wilson has looked more comfortable in an attacking role rather than at full back so far. He beats defenders with ease and can deliver a brilliant cross into the box.

Warne could very easily swap Wilson and Joe Ward during a game as they can both play all down the right wing, but Wilson has looked brilliant going forward so far.

Striker: James Collins

You can see on his face, Collins is desperate for a goal. On Tuesday night, an opportunity was squandered when the Rams were 4-0 up and he still looked frustrated.

A game in the cup with new opponents might be just what the Irishman needs to get back on track.