Derby County head coach John Eustace suddenly has options at his disposal — a luxury he didn’t enjoy last season. With the club’s injury list easing, tactical flexibility and squad depth are beginning to shine through.
Eustace highlighted the transformation after Derby’s victory over West Brom, noting how the side at The Hawthorns looked almost unrecognisable from the one that opened the campaign against Stoke. Only five starters from that opening defeat kept their places, and yet the Rams still look like they can get stronger.
Liverpool loanee Owen Beck is edging closer to a return and Sondre Langås isn’t far away either, meaning more reinforcements are on the horizon.
The Agyemang question
The big talking point before the clash with Preston surrounds Patrick Agyemang. Fresh from his first appearance since a double hernia operation, the American forward made an instant impact against West Brom, setting up Andi Weimann’s winner in a lively 20-minute cameo that had fans chanting his name.
Calls for him to start are growing, but Eustace may need to be cautious. Match sharpness is still an issue after months on the sidelines, and throwing him straight into the XI could be a gamble.
The challenge lies in how to fit him into a system that currently has Carlton Morris leading the line superbly. The former Luton striker has been excellent since day one, and the prospect of pairing him with Agyemang is exciting — but balancing the two may require tactical tweaks.
Most likely, Agyemang will be eased in with a longer spell from the bench rather than a starting role.
Stability elsewhere
Beyond that selection dilemma, there’s little reason to change much. Derby’s back three were outstanding at The Hawthorns, with Dion Sanderson and Matt Clarke particularly dominant. Lewis Travis and Ebou Adams have added grit and aggression in midfield, making it hard for David Ozoh to force his way back in.
Bobby Clark didn’t have his sharpest outing last weekend but remains a player of quality, while Ben Brereton Díaz held his own despite returning from South America less than two days before kick-off.
With Morris nailed on to start up front, all eyes will be on whether Agyemang gets a bigger role — or whether patience will be the order of the day.
Predicted Derby XI (3-4-3)
Zetterström; Sanderson, Clarke, Forsyth; Johnston, Travis, Adams, Elder; Clark, Morris, Brereton Díaz