John Eustace can surprise us all against Coventry City with a simple formation change for Derby County

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Derby County are back at home this weekend as they welcome Coventry City to Pride Park at 12:30pm.

The Rams were beaten 3-1 by Stoke City seven days ago, with Mark Robins’ side leaving it late to take all three points at the bet365 Stadium.

Derby do have a good record at home against Coventry, having not lost a game to the Sky Blues in DE24 since 2003, with Frank Lampard still ruing his side’s defeat in the East Midlands last season.

Nevertheless, injuries have once again been a burden for John Eustace this season and after his heavily-rotated side beat West Brom on penalties in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, he must surely bring one player into the starting XI.

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John Eustace should start Joe Ward for Derby County vs Coventry City

Derby struggled against the Baggies, and were second best for nearly the entire 90 minutes. However, Joe Ward’s incredible free kick in the final minute of the clash rescued his team from elimination.

It was a strong showing from the wide player, who played in the right wing-back role. It was his first start since December, and his first appearance since the Rams were beaten by Watford in January.

Fitness issues have plagued Ward since he left Peterborough United for Derby in the summer of 2023, but this could well be the turning point for him.

He turns 30 in just under a week, but his experience could prove crucial – especially as his side are lacking in players who can cross the ball in the manner that he can. Therefore, he must start against Coventry.

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John Eustace has a decision to make on formation

Ward has played in a multitude of positions for Derby so far, but he has struggled at right-back in the past. He would be the first to admit that he prefers the attacking side of football compared to the defensive side, and Eustace must play on that.

So, instead of playing a 4-2-3-1 against Coventry, returning to the 3-5-2 that saw the Rams avoid relegation last season could be the perfect way for the Rams to find a result at Pride Park.

Lampard struggled to break down Derby’s low block in March, and with Ward at wing-back, the team would have an outlet on the right side.

Corey Blackett-Taylor’s hamstring injury has left the East Midlands outfit light on the wing, and it makes sense to avoid playing a formation that relies on that position to have depth until more cover arrives.