Returning starters in Derby County predicted XI to face Peterborough United

Derby County make the trip to London Road on Saturday for a tough game against promotion rivals Peterborough United. With the Rams desperatley searching for some form, here’s our predicted XI.

Goalkeeper - Joe Wildsmith

Joe Wildsmith put in a great showing in the Rams last game keeping a clean sheet against Fleetwood Town and helping Paul Warne’s side to a narrow 1-0 home win. His best performance so far this season should give him the start against Peterborough.

Right Back - Jake Rooney

Derby youngster Jake Rooney was a standout performer in the Rams victory over Fleetwood Town. He was calm on the ball and helped get the Rams out of trouble on a number of occasions.

His maturity considering he’s only 19 is very impressive and the Rams fans at Pride Park didn’t hesitate to show their appreciation for the defender.

Centre Back - Eiran Cashin

Cashin has been the subject of speculation in recent weeks as there has been reported interest from Premier League side Brighton. However, this won’t stop manager Paul Warne from starting him against Peterborough.

He showed improvements from a slow start last Saturday and will be hoping to improve even more and help the Rams to a win against a dangerous Peterborough side.

Centre Back - Curtis Nelson

Curtis Nelson hasn’t had the best start to his Derby career as the first few games have been littered with mistakes, however, he looked much more reliable against Fleetwood Town last Saturday and will be hoping for more of the same this weekend.

Left Back - Craig Forsyth

We expect to see another start from the ever-reliable Forsyth who has looked like one of Derby’s most composed players so far this season. He should provide the back line with some much needed stability and will hopefully continue to show why he is so valuable to Paul Warne’s team.

Centre Midfield - Liam Thompson

Liam Thompson put in a player of the match performance on Saturday against Fleetwood. His energy levels were reminiscent of the departed Jason Knight which could prove him to be a good replacement for the Irish International.

Thompson impressed Paul Warne with his performance and was a clear stand out in a satisfactory Rams showing. His efforts should be rewarded with another start against Peterborough.

Centre Midfield - Conor Hourihane

Derby County’s captain has been one of the top performers so far this year. There will be no doubting his place on the team sheet and Paul Warne will be certain to start him against Peterborough.

Attacking Midfield - Louie Sibley

Louie Sibley came on against Fleetwood from the bench after he recovered from an calf injury that he suffered in the preseason. We expect him to start on Saturday as the Rams are in desperate need of an attacking midfielder that can contribute to goalcoring and chance creation.

Sibley could provide a good long-term option in replacement of Jason Knight who left for Bristol City and Max Bird who has been sidelined for at least eight weeks.

Left Wing - Nathaniel Mendez-Laing

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing has the capability to be one of Derby’s best players especially going forward. Paul Warne has been very vocal that he wants more pace in the team and Mendez-Laing certainly provides that.

If he can get off the mark with goalscoring this season, Mendez-Laing could become a pivotal part of the Rams promotion chase.

Right Wing - Martyn Waghorn

Martyn Waghorn has made a welcome return to Pride Park and has not dissapointed. The 33-year-old has scored twice in just 105 minutes of football which is an impressive start to his second stint with the Rams.

Paul Warne will likely keep Waghorn in the starting XI this Saturday to provide more goalscoring opportunity.

Striker - James Collins

James Collins only made a limited appearance against Fleetwood last weekend after he came on from the bench. He will be desperate to get into the goalscoring flow against Peterborough. It will either be Collins or Conor Washington taking up the striker role here, but we’ve gone for Collins on this occasion.