John Eustace could surprise us vs Ipswich Town by handing ‘positive’ forward his first Derby County league start

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Derby County make the journey to Suffolk on Saturday afternoon, as the Rams face Ipswich Town in the Championship.

The Tractor Boys shocked Norwich City on Friday by signing Marcelino Nunez from their bitter rivals, although the midfielder is carrying an ankle injury, which he sustained against Portsmouth a couple of weeks ago.

John Eustace will be hoping to utilise both Lewis Travis, who signed from Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday, and Max Johnston, who arrived from Sturm Graz a few hours later, against Kieran McKenna’s side.

Nevertheless, after a strong performance against Burnley in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, there is a decision to be made at Derby as to who starts in the attacking midfield/second striker role and Eustace will have been swung by one player who starred against the Clarets.

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Rhian Brewster deserves to start for Derby County vs Ipswich Town

Although the Rams were beaten by Burnley, there were some really strong performances from the Championship side. Bobby Clark looked especially bright, as he scored his first goal for the club.

However, it was Rhian Brewster who really caught the eye on his first start for Derby. Now, Eustace must give the versatile forward the opportunity to shine in the league, with his energy and pressing going to be vital against a very good Ipswich side.

The 25-year-old was signed as a free agent following his departure from Sheffield United in the summer, and he may feel like he has a point to prove after a difficult couple of years in front of goal in particular.

But under Eustace, a manager who seems to form really close relationships with players like Brewster, he has the chance to shine and getting him up to speed as quickly as possible is vital. If Derby do play a 3-5-2 once again, he should take on that role next to Carlton Morris up front.

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Chris Wilder is a huge fan of Rhian Brewster, John Eustace has to be the same

Last season, Chris Wilder started to utilise Brewster out on the wing, and it was a role that he excelled in. However, the Rams perhaps don’t have the options right now to give the ex-Liverpool man the chance to play in that role.

Nonetheless, he showed against both Bristol City last weekend and Burnley on Tuesday that he will run and chase no matter where he plays and is willing to do whatever he can to help the team.

It was an attribute that Wilder loved, and he said of him in February (via: Yorkshire Post): “Sheffield United have not seen the best of Rhian, through situations that have not been his doing for the majority of the time.

“He understands there’s pressure on him, that comes with a big price tag, although it wasn’t as big as everyone once said it was. It was nowhere near £23m, but he came with big expectations, but he’s still got to prove he is still the player he was then.

“He’s desperately trying to do that, he’s an incredibly positive and popular member of the group and we love working with him. And I think everyone internally will be delighted if he continues on the path he is and raising his game and being a massive asset for us.”