Derby County and Sheffield Wednesday face off on Saturday at the iPro Stadium, with both sides at opposite ends of the table.

Sheffield Wednesday are occupying 5th place in the Championship table whilst Derby sit down at the bottom end, in 21st after a dreadful start to the season.

Derby go into the game off the back of a 1-0 loss to Huddersfield, in which Elias Kachunga won it for the home side in the last minute. But Wednesday won their last match, Gary Hooper's goals enough to beat QPR 1-0.

The last time these two sides met, Darren Bent's late header rescued a point for Derby after Barry Bannan put the Owls in front with a beautiful strike.

The Rams will be desperate to gather some momentum, but it won't be easy against a strong Sheffield Wednesday side who have lost just one of their last six matches.

FootballLeagueWorld writer Rob Booth identifies the Derby line-up that could beat the Owls this weekend...

GK - Scott Carson

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Scott Carson had a horrendous start to the season, but in recent games has improved.

The former England international has got down and made more saves in recent games, keeping Derby in the game.

Steve McClaren is highly likely to name Scott Carson in net against Wednesday as he has played in every league game so far.

RB - Cyrus Christie

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Cyrus Christie has been poor in recent games, with him failing put balls into the box, and giving it away.

The Irish international has the ability to be lethal down the right hand side for Derby, but doesn't show the consistency needed. Christie has the pace and skill to beat players, and Rams fans will be hoping he shows it against Sheffield Wednesday.

The 24-year-old has no real competition for his first team place, being the only recognised right back in the squad. Barring injury, he will start on Saturday.

CB - Richard Keogh

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Richard Keogh is the Derby captain, and has started every league game for the Rams so far in 2016/17.

Keogh was absent from Derby's open training session on Tuesday, but fans will be hoping he'll be back fit to face the Owls on Saturday.

The Rams skipper has once again been a solid defender this season, just like in 2015/16.

CB - Alex Pearce

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Since being introduced to the first team earlier this season, Alex Pearce hasn't looked back.

Pearce has been an improvement on Jason Shackell, who underperformed at the start of the season. The 27-year-old has formed an excellent partnership at the back with fellow Ireland teammate Richard Keogh.

Due to their abilities, it's unlikely Steve McClaren will change the centre back partnership, and stick with Keogh and Pearce.

LB - Max Lowe

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Max Lowe has missed Derby's last two matches against Brentford and Huddersfield through injury.

The youngster, whose absence has been attributed to a groin problem, is arguably the best man for the job when it comes to the left-back position.

Lowe played very well in his last outing, Derby's 1-0 win over Leeds and the-19 year-old is a major threat going forward as well as a good defender.

If Max Lowe is unavailable, Marcus Olsson is likely to start.

CDM - Bradley Johnson

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Bradley Johnson's performances have improved since Nigel Pearson's departure, having looked a different player at times.

The midfielder, who cost £6m from Norwich last season, has been used in the defensive midfielder role, which he is doing well in.

Johnson is a good ball winner and will always get stuck in the centre of the park, and with George Thorne out, it's highly likely he'll continue at holding midfield.

CM - Craig Bryson

Craig Bryson missed Derby's 1-0 loss at Huddersfield through suspension, but will be back for this match.

Bryson, who is a fan favourite at the iPro Stadium, hasn't been in great form this year but is still a good player nonetheless.

With Will Hughes suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card on Saturday, it's likely that Bryson will take Hughes' place in the centre of midfield.

CM - Jacob Butterfield

 

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Jacob Butterfield has been a regular in the Derby first-team this season, making 13 league appearances so far this campaign.

However the 26-year-old has been inconsistent, with his performances being poor in some games.

After Jeff Hendrick left for Premier League side Burnley, and with Will Hughes suspended, it's likely Butterfield will start in midfield for Steve McClaren's side against Sheffield Wednesday.

RW - Johnny Russell

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Johnny Russell's strongest position is on the left wing, but the Scotsman can play on the right.

Russell scored the winning goal in Derby's last win, which came against Leeds. That goal was also the Rams' last goal they scored.

The 26-year-old would be an improvement on Tom Ince if he were to start, but Russell has started on the subs bench in the majority of Derby's recent games.

LW - Ikechi Anya

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Ikechi Anya has been a good player since joining Derby in the summer.

The Scottish international has a high work-rate, as well as pace which he can beat defenders with. Anya also brings versatility to the Rams line-up, since he can also slot into the left-back position.

Ikechi Anya could continue on the left side, but Andreas Weimann is also in contention after getting back to full fitness.

ST - Matej Vydra

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Matej Vydra is highly likely to start up-front for the Rams this weekend, having started every game since his debut.

The Czech Republic frontman has bagged 2 goals since signing from Watford, and Rams fans will be hoping he can find the net more regularly than he has done.

Vydra is a talented striker, but needs service, and he just hasn't received enough since his arrival, hence Derby's struggle to find the net.

Derby fans... What line-up would you name to face Sheff Wed this Saturday? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!