3/1 To Win
Gary Rowett provided a fitness update on his squad as Derby County look to get back to winning ways against Leeds United under the lights at Pride Park Stadium on Wednesday night.
The Rams suffered defeat for the first time in 13 league games against Sheffield Wednesday last week, but Rowett’s side will be looking to do the double over the Whites after a thrilling 2-1 victory at Elland Road in October.
Jonathan Mitchell, Sam Winnall and Jamie Hanson are unavailable, but Rowett’s midfield ranks are set to be bolstered ahead of the visit of Paul Heckingbottom’s side.
Speaking to RamsTV, he said: “Jamie has a slight groin issue, so he won’t play tonight [Monday] with the Under-23s, which would have been the plan.
“Apart from that, everybody is okay.
“George Thorne has trained after his back was stiff last weekend, and everyone else apart from Jonny and obviously Sam is fit and raring to go.”
Winnall struck the decisive goals as Derby produced a dramatic comeback in Yorkshire earlier this season, and the striker is set to remain with the Rams as he enters a period of rehabilitation after the knee injury that he suffered against Brentford.
Rowett has nothing but praise for the striker, and he believes that Winnall’s desire to stay with the club is an indication of the positive atmosphere that has been created this season.
“First and foremost it’s a massive testament to Sam and his attitude, and it’s a good lesson for any younger player, to look at someone like that who has had a massive blow,” he said.
“He’s had a strange season, he hasn’t played loads of games but he’s scored six goals.
“To score so frequently with not many starts, and his attitude has been incredible, it’s a little insight into what we’re trying to do here.
“The players want to be part of it, they enjoy it and they see the benefit to their career with the way that we try to do things.
“It’s a big one for all the staff that Sam wants to stay and do his rehabilitation here, so for both parties, it’s a real compliment.”
