Paul Warne faces some tough decisions regarding Derby County’s lineup for their match against Cardiff City.
Derby County aim to build on their strong start to the season when they face Cardiff at Pride Park. With back-to-back home league victories, the Rams will be eager to maintain their momentum after the international break, especially against a struggling Cardiff City side.
Cardiff have yet to win a game in the 2024/25 Championship season, making Derby the unexpected favorites to secure all three points.
In terms of team selection, aside from Tawanda Chirewa’s injury, which rules him out, Warne has plenty of options across the pitch. It will be intriguing to see who he chooses to start against Cardiff.
Here are three things Derby fans will be watching for in the squad…
Will Marcus Harness make his Derby County debut?
Marcus Harness signed for Derby County on Deadline Day, arriving from Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town and reuniting with his former teammate Kayden Jackson at Pride Park.
There’s no question that Harness will add firepower to Derby’s attack when he gets his chance, and Paul Warne will need to decide whether to hand him his debut against Cardiff City.
As a winger, Harness’ inclusion would likely mean either Kayden Jackson or Nathaniel Mendez-Laing making way, unless Warne opts for a tactical shift, something he’s hinted at in the past.
Will Ben Osborn return to action?
Ben Osborn has missed Derby County’s recent matches due to injury, but he’s now fit and ready to rejoin the squad for the game against Cardiff City.
Dropping any of Kenzo Goudmijn, David Ozoh, or Ebou Adams would seem harsh given their performances, so it wouldn’t be surprising if Osborn is gradually reintroduced, possibly coming off the bench in the second half.
However, Paul Warne might consider Osborn’s Premier League experience vital, and could opt to replace Adams with him in the starting lineup.
Who will make way for Nat Phillips?
It’s evident that Paul Warne holds new Liverpool loanee Nat Phillips in high regard after his Deadline Day signing, and there’s little doubt that Phillips will start against Cardiff City.
Warne might opt for a back three, allowing Phillips to play alongside Eiran Cashin and Curtis Nelson. However, if he sticks with a back four, one of the centre-backs will have to make way.
Both Nelson and Cashin have been solid in defense for Derby, but it’s more likely that Cashin could be the one to drop out.
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