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It’s not gone to plan for Derby County so far this season, and they are still looking for their first point in the Championship in 2025/26.
The Rams have already conceded eight goals in this campaign, with five of those coming against Coventry City last weekend.
There is a great desire to see the East Midlands outfit replicate their 3-0 win over Bristol City from 12 months ago on Friday evening, but vast improvements are needed to get back to that point right now.
Nevertheless, John Eustace has one key decision to make against the Robins at Pride Park, and he may surprise Derby fans when they take to the stands under the lights in DE24.
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John Eustace needs to revert back to a 4-2-3-1 at Derby County
The Rams played a 3-5-2 formation against Coventry on Saturday, and despite having three central defenders in the team, they looked all at sea at the back.
Dion Sanderson looks to be struggling with match sharpness, and continuing to play the Birmingham City loanee at this point seems futile.
Eustace must return to a 4-2-3-1 system, and play Jake Rooney next to Matt Clarke, with Ryan Nyambe at right-back and Callum Elder on the left.
Joe Ward must be given the opportunity to shine on the wing, with options limited on the flanks. It will take time for Derby to have a team capable of competing in this league every week, but the system they played against Coventry did not help them.
- READ MORE – Sky Sports pundit backs John Eustace to have a ‘masterplan’ as Derby County host Bristol City
The Rams have to find a way to stay defensively strong
The Rams have scored four goals in two games, and their attacking struggles from last season look to have been solved. Since joining from Luton Town, Carlton Morris has been spectacular and he is leading the line excellently.
But there is no denying that Derby look weak at the back and bringing Rooney in, a player who had a full pre-season under Eustace, may help.
Getting Sondre Langas back fit is the most important thing for the Rams right now, but until that happens, they have to make do with what they have.
However, Batth and Sanderson need a rest, and removing them from the side against Bristol City may be the best for all parties.