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Derbytelegraph 1yr ago
Derby County predicted XI v Barnsley as big guns return for crunch League One clash
Source:Derbytelegraph

After guaranteeing progress through to the knockout stages of the EFL Trophy in midweek, Derby County return to League One action against Barnsley tomorrow at Pride Park.

Victory over Neill Collins' side can take Paul Warne's side level on points with the Tykes and, more importantly, sneak them into the top six of the division. The team that will face the Tykes will have a much different look about it compared to the one that faced Wolves in midweek when most of the first team squad were given the night off.

And Warne will hope the rest will have done his players the power of good as they seek a victory that would be a huge shot in the arm ahead of the international break. But they face a Barnsley side that have been impressive on the road this season and despite losing Michael Duff as manager in the summer, Neill Collins has continued his good work despite losing a couple of key players in the summer.

The high-energy style that Duff employed has not changed under his successor and in striker Devante Cole Barnsley have one of the division's most feared marksmen and he currently leads the top scorer charts with 11 goals. Ahead of the game tomorrow, here Derbyshire Live looks at the team that Warne could pick for the game tomorrow.

Joe Wildsmith: The former Sheffield Wednesday stopper should be fit and fresh after not being involved against Wolves on Wednesday and is a straightforward choice.

Ryan Nyambe: The Namibian international like most of the first-team squad was not involved against Wolves but should be one of the first names on the team sheet.

Curtis Nelson: Arguably the player of the season so far given his performances over the last couple of months. Will need to keep his wits about him marking Devante Cole.

Eiran Cashin: Warne will have to decide between the academy graduate and Sonny Bradley, but it looks likely that Cashin will win that battle and start in the heart of the defence.

Craig Forsyth: Watched the game from the stands on Wednesday night to show his support for the academy prospects and with doubts over Callum Elder, it looks a simple choice.

Korey Smith: While Tyrese Fornah had a run out against Wolves on Wednesday night, Smith is likely to be given the nod having been rested midweek. Having played against Barnsley last season will know what to expect.

Max Bird: Has hit some decent form at Pride Park where his last outing was rewarded with two goals against Northampton. They could do with another big performance tomorrow.

Conor Hourihane: Will relish facing his former club and the skipper should have felt the benefit of his rest in midweek. Will be expected to get on the ball in the base of midfield.

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing: Is bang in form at the moment and scored his fourth of goal in as many games with a strike against Crewe last weekend in the FA Cup.

Conor Washington: This might be a tough choice for Warne given James Collins scored a hat-trick in midweek, but Washington might just get the nod for the visit of Barnsley.

Kane Wilson: Signalled his intent with his performance against Wolves in midweek in which he had a hand in three goals. Might just see off Tom Barkhuizen for a place on the right wing.

What would your team be to face Barnsley tomorrow? Have your say in the comments section.

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