Derby County predicted XI vs Sheffield Wednesday: Paul Warne facing big calls ahead of Hillsborough clash

Derby County face a tough challenge on Sunday at Hillsborough in a League One game against high-flyers Sheffield Wednesday which will decide whether the Rams make the play-offs or not.

Derby are sixth in the table, two points ahead of Peterborough United in seventh. If the Rams win, they will secure a top-six spot but if they lose or draw the Posh have the chance to pounce.

Peterborough face a tough test at Barnsley and if Derby draw they will need to win by three or more goals at Oakwell, which will move them level on points but ahead of the Rams on goals scored.

It is likely that Paul Warne will revert to the same team he has put out in the last two games. The 3-4-3 type formation has been working well for the Rams.

Goalkeeper: Joe Wildsmith

Wildsmith has been one of Derby’s best players this season, there’s no reason to even question his place in the first team.

Defender: Craig Forsyth

A few up and down performances have jeopardised Forsyth’s place in the team, but this team is going to need experience in the big games and we believe Warne will turn to Forsyth once again.

Defender: Curtis Davies

The Derby club captain has found his way back into the first team since Paul Warne switched to a 3-4-3 formation. He is expected to start again on Sunday, giving the Rams that strong leader that they will need.

Defender: Eiran Cashin

Derby’s young superstar has been an ever present in the starting XI this season. There’s no reason why he wouldn’t be one of the first names on the team sheet here once again.

Midfielder: Jason Knight

Knight’s versatility comes in useful here as he can play effectively on the wing. DerbyWorld gave his performance a 9/10 against Portsmouth last week, Rams fans will be hoping for more of the same from the Irishman at Hillsborough.

Midfielder: Haydon Roberts

Roberts has become a regular in the starting XI for Derby. Capable of making things happen going forward, he could be a vital asset for Paul Warne against Sheffield Wednesday.

Midfielder: Max Bird

When healthy, Max Bird always makes the starting XI, there’s no change here. The Rams will need his playmaking abilities in abundance.

Midfielder: Conor Hourihane

Putting in one of the best performances last week against Portsmouth, DerbyWorld gave him a 9/10. For success against a tough Wednesday side, Hourihane will need to be firing at all cylinders. His ability to create chances on set pieces could come in very handy for the Rams.

Attacking Midfielder: Louis Sibley

Sibley has been playing much more often since Warne switched to a 3-4-3. Expect him to make another appearance on Sunday. His energy levels and dedicated tackling could be ideal for the Rams to hit their opponents on the counter attack.

Attacking Midfielder: Nathaniel Mendez-Laing

Even though we saw a very poor performance from Mendez-Laing last week, he should still make the team. He’s one of the Rams best players and biggest attacking threats. Expect a bounce back from Mendez-Laing as he faces his former teammates on Sunday.

Striker: David McGoldrick

Not much explanation needed here, Derby’s talisman this season, the Rams will rely on him to get them over the line and finish in the top six.