Julien de Sart will make his Derby County debut after being named in the starting line-up for today’s Emirates FA Cup third round clash with Premier League outfit West Bromwich Albion, kick-off: 3pm.
The 22-year-old Middlesbrough loanee takes up his position in the holding midfield role, with Bradley Johnson moving into the advanced position in the absence of the suspended Jacob Butterfield.The midfielder’s inclusion is just one of five changes that Steve McClaren has made to the team that began the 3-0 defeat to Norwich City earlier this week.
Elsewhere, there is the notable recall of Jason Shackell, who makes his first start at the heart of defence since the home clash with Newcastle United back in September.
Abdoul Camara also makes his second start of the campaign, replacing Johnny Russell, who is named amongst the substitutes this afternoon.
There are also recalls for Jamie Hanson and Darren Bent. The former will take up his position in the back four following Ikechi Anya’s hamstring injury, whilst the latter comes in to lead the attack, with Matěj Vydra dropping to the substitutes bench.
Derby field two former West Brom players in their starting line-up this afternoon.
They both appear in the back five too as Scott Carson and Chris Baird remain as mainstays in the team, with Richard Keogh, Shackell and Hanson completing the backline.
As mentioned earlier, Belgium Under 21 midfielder de Sart comes into the side, with Johnson and Craig Bryson being deployed further forward up the pitch.
Tom Ince makes his 17th consecutive start on the flank, whilst Camara will occupy the other side in support of Bent.
In reserve, McClaren, the Derby manager will be able to call upon Jonathan Mitchell, Johnny Russell, Alex Pearce, Matěj Vydra, Andreas Weimann, Callum Guy and Charles Vernam.
RamsTV spoke with Chris Powell, the Rams’ assistant manager, to discuss today’s line-up and his final thoughts ahead of today’s meeting with the Baggies...
West Bromwich Albion: Myhill; Dawson, McAuley, Olsson, Galloway; Yacob, Fletcher (C); Phillips, Morrison, McClean; Rondon
Substitutes: Foster; Robson-Kanu, Gardner, Chadli, Harper, Field, Wilson
Derby County: Carson, Baird, Keogh (C), Shackell, Hanson; de Sart, Bryson, Johnson; Ince, Camara, Bent
Substitutes: Mitchell, Russell, Pearce, Vydra, Weimann, Guy, Vernam
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