With a match away at automatic promotion hopefuls Brighton and Hove Albion on Friday, Derby County manager Steve McClaren realistically knew that his side needed to take all three points at home to Preston North End on Tuesday night to keep their faint play-off hopes alive.
However, a 95th-minute equaliser from the visitors saw the match at the Pride Park Stadium end in a 1-1 draw, and it proved to be a missed opportunity for the Rams as sixth-placed Sheffield Wednesday dropped points at home to Burton Albion.
10 points behind the Owls with 10 matches of the Championship campaign remaining, County need wins if they are to seal a place in the top six at the end of the season – starting on the south coast on Friday night – and McClaren could choose to ring the changes after such a disappointing result last time out.
Here are THREE players that need to come into the starting XI vs the Seagulls…
Richard Keogh
After making 105 consecutive starts for Derby in the Championship, the Republic of Ireland international has missed the Rams’ last three matches after picking up a calf injury against Aston Villa.
The 30-year-old missed out against Preston in midweek but is understood to be nearing full fitness again, and if he is ready then he must start on the south coast.
Bringing leadership skills and a calmness in possession, Keogh is a key man in this County side.
Will Hughes
It has been a strange season for Hughes, who has struggled to get a regular run in the first team since Steve McClaren returned to the club.
While Derby were in desperate need of a second goal in midweek, the midfielder – who is considered to be one of the top talents at the club – was an unused substitute and County eventually conceded a last-gasp equaliser.
The team could need players that can keep possession against Brighton on Friday and Hughes’ ability on the ball could make the difference against a Saegulls side that flying high in the automatic promotion spots.
Darren Bent
Like Keogh, the striker missed his side’s two matches prior to the draw against Preston because of injury and illness, and he was only named on the substitutes’ bench against the Lilywhites.
Despite the fact that David Nugent scored against Barnsley and Matej Vydra netted against North End, McClaren has worked with Bent for a long time now and knows just how clinical he can be.
His finishing ability could prove to be the difference on the south coast where chances for the Rams could be few and far between.
Do YOU agree, Derby fans? Let us know below.
