Derby County predicted XI vs Fleetwood Town in EFL Trophy clash as key decisions made

Derby County take a break from the league tonight as they face a round of 32 match in the EFL Trophy against League One rivals Fleetwood Town. The Rams made it to the second round by winning all three of their group stage matches and have drawn a Fleetwood Town side that are also unbeaten in the competition.

The Rams come off the back of an away win against Port Vale last week in the league which was their fourth league win in a row. With Paul Warne's side on somewhat of a role, they will be eager to continue their good form tonight at Pride Park.

Here is the predicted XI for tonight's game.

Formation - 4-5-1

Goalkeeper: Josh Vickers

Josh Vickers has been the goalkeeper of choice for Paul Warne in the EFL Trophy so far. It is important that the Rams' second choice keeper gets game time and there's no reason why he would switch back to Joe Wildsmith here.

Left back: Craig Forsyth

Craig Forsyth is still an ever present in the starting XI for Paul Warne, especially because Callum Elder has been dealing with an ankle injury for the past couple of weeks. Forsyth should start this evening.

Centre back: Curtis Nelson

Centre back Curtis Nelson has looked like he has been at Derby for a long time, yet the defender only joined in the summer. He has settled in best out of all the summer signings and has been an integral part of Paul Warne's starting XI each and every week.

Centre back: Eiran Cashin

With recent interest stirring for Cashin, Derby County will want to make sure they make the most of the fact that he's a Ram before January when he could likely depart Pride Park.

Right back: Ryan Nyambe

Paul Warne has had a dilemma at right back with both Nyambe and Kane Wilson playing excellently so far. However, Wilson has also played well in a more attacking role which has allowed Nyambe to win out the defensive spot and he deserves it.

Centre midfield: Conor Hourihane

Conor Hourihane will have to put in some pretty poor performances to get dropped at this stage. The former Irish international brings some experience and flair to the Rams' midfield, he should start again tonight.

Centre midfield: Max Bird

Max Bird has been excellent so far this season, and with him playing a more attacking role, he has flourished even more. The midfielder will be tough to hold onto in January but Paul Warne will be doing everything in his power to keep Bird at Pride Park.

Centre midfield: Tyrese Fornah

Tyrese Fornah seems like the natural replacement for Korey Smith who has been suffering with a knee injury since the Rams 2-1 win over Bristol Rovers. Fornah has all the talent to win out the midfield spot and this time is a great chance for him to do so.

Left wing: Nathaniel Mendez-Laing

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing has been Derby's difference maker over the past couple of months and is a big reason why the Rams have had an upturn in form. If he is fit, the Guatemalan should start every game.

Right wing: Kane Wilson

Originally a right back, Wilson has carved out a role for himself going forward for the Rams. The 23 year-old has been excellent since joining and brings a level of electric play to Derby's attack. He has won out the job for now and should expect more and more game time.

Striker: James Collins

James Collins will likely start tonight's game over recently returned Tyreece John-Jules simply because of fitness. Paul Warne will not want to risk losing his young striker again from injury and so will likely ease the Arsenal loanee back in after his goal against Port Vale last week.