Derby County predicts

Derby County prepare to host Coventry City as injuries bite and a winger position battle shapes the match.

Derby County face Coventry City as winger position battle unfolds

Derby County enter the Coventry City game with several injury concerns. Seven players are expected to miss the match, including Corey Blackett-Taylor, while Owen Beck remains sidelined until after the international break. After a Carabao Cup win over West Brom, Derby plan to bring back Carlton Morris, Jacob Widell Zetterstrom, Matt Clarke, Ryan Nyambe and Liam Thompson, giving manager John Eustace more options.

Replacing Blackett-Taylor on the wings is the main issue. Bobby Clark could be used on the left, but fitness is a question after 65 minutes in midweek. On the right, Joe Ward impressed in the second half in midweek and could challenge Kayden Jackson for a starting spot. David Ozoh looked sharp against West Brom and could start, while Ebou Adams has been deployed as a number ten to drive Derby's progressive plan. The club is also linked with a winger from Lommel, Koki Saito, as they seek extra width. Kenzo Goudmijn and Liam Thompson will compete for the remaining position in front of the back four.

The squad rotation signals a shift toward pace and flexibility under Eustace. With a winger role up for grabs and a midfield willing to press higher, Derby aim to play with more fluidity and width. The transfer links to a winger show the club weighing short-term fixes as they build a longer-term identity, a dynamic likely to shape the market and fan expectations while Lampard returns to Pride Park.

The risk is balance. If Ward or Clark struggle with the demands of a 90-minute shift, appointing Adams as the ten becomes essential for creating chances, not just occupying space. Fitness and rhythm will decide how quickly Derby can translate the plan into results, especially with a tough schedule on the horizon.

Highlights

The next fixtures will reveal how far this building plan can take Derby under Eustace