Possible change in the middle in Derby County predicted XI vs Bristol Rovers

Derby County come out of the international break looking to get back to winning ways after they lost 3-1 to Crewe Alexandra in an FA Cup replay before the break.

They face a Bristol Rovers side who are just four points behind the Rams and have been looking good recently.

Rovers are in 10th and could climb up closer to playoff places with a win on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Rams are level on points with sixth placed Barnsley and with a win could move up into the playoffs still with a game in hand on two teams above them.

Here is the predicted XI for Paul Warne's side on Saturday:

Formation: 4-1-4-1

Goalkeeper: Joe Wildsmith

Joe Wildsmith has shown no reason why he shouldn't start every week this season. Bar any injury, he will continue to be the number one for the Rams.

Left back: Craig Forsyth

Forsyth has managed to keep hold of his place in the first team even though the Rams signed a left back in the form of Callum Elder in the summer.

The 34 year-old has been as good as ever and keeps Elder on the bench yet again here.

Centre back: Eiran Cashin

Cashin will no doubt be expected to enter into swirling rumours of departure in January soon, but for now the Irish centre back is a member of the Rams first team.

He's the second highest rated defender in the league on WhoScored.com, Cashin will start every game despite an injury.

Centre back: Curtis Nelson

Curtis Nelson has been fantastic since joining in the summer. He's made himself a solid part of the Rams' defence and has developed a nice partnership with Eiran Cashin.

Also a threat from corners, his first Derby goal should come soon.

Right back: Kane Wilson

Wilson has struggled to find his way into the first team for the Rams despite a number of excellent performances. Warne has played him both at full back and on the wing and he has looked good in both positions.

Ryan Nyambe has just returned from international duty with Namibia and so Warne could look to Wilson for a more rested option this week.

Centre midfield: Conor Hourihane

Conor Hourihane has been very up and down this season. The Rams captain has had some excellent performances, with goals too, but then also some games where he has seemed to give the ball away often.

The Irishman will be looking to come of the international break into some form as he can be an influential star when he plays well.

Centre midfield: Max Bird

Max Bird has arguably been the Rams' best player so far this year. Paul Warne has got Bird playing higher up the pitch and it seems to have done him wonders.

Having scored twice so far this season, he'll be looking to add to his tally this weekend.

Centre midfield: Korey Smith

Korey Smith has been the definition of solid so far this year. He's not neccessarily a needle-mover but hasn't caused too many issues either.

Smith has played better than his competition for the spot next to Bird and Hourihane and so should expect to remain in the starting XI.

Left wing: Nathaniel Mendez-Laing

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing went off with a knock against Barnsley, however, it doesn't seem to be an issue. If he is fully fit then he will start its as simple as that.

Having had two weeks to recover, the Guatemalan should be ready to make an impact again at the weekend.

Right wing: Tom Barkhuizen

Tom Barkhuizen has a lot more competition for places in the form of Joe Ward, Kane Wilson and even Louie Sibley.

But having scored Derby's only goal in their last game against Crewe, he should have done enough to warrant a start this week.

James Collins was on fire before the international break. The Rams' striker will be looking to pick up from where he left off this Saturday and will likely start.