Derby County saw themselves slip out of the automatic promotion places over the weekend, with Gary Rowett’s side seeing Aston Villa leapfrog them in the Sky Bet Championship table.  

The Rams were held to a 1-1 draw by Norwich City at the weekend, which opened the door for Villa to move into pole position in the race to secure the second automatic promotion place in the Championship.

However, Rowett’s side have an opportunity to pile the pressure back on this evening when they face Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough, with the Rams swiftly back in Championship action.

Tonight’s opponents are struggling, and haven’t made the push for promotion many were expecting them to this season, unlike the Rams.

Here at FLW, we assess Rowett’s options and take a look at the starting XI he could select at Hillsborough this evening, with changes seemingly on the agenda according to the Pride Park boss…

Carson has been exceptional this season for Derby, and there is no chance Rowett will consider removing his number one this evening.

Wisdom has been a good addition to Rowett’s squad this season, and should be handed the opportunity to continue at right-back.

One half of an excellent centre-back partnership.

Davies has been phenomenal this season and will be crucial in the run-in.

The other half of that exceptional partnership, who continue to flourish in the Championship.

Like Davies, Keogh’s experience is going to be key.

It has been Olsson who has been given the nod at left-back in recent weeks, and he should retain his place, as Rowett searches for a consistent defensive line-up.

Impressive in everything he has done for Derby this season and proving to be one of the signings of the season.

Huddlestone’s vision and passing game is key to how Derby play.

Ledley should return to the starting XI this weekend, with the midfielder slotting back in alongside Huddlestone.

Weimann was a substitute against Norwich last time out, and should be given a chance to impress in the starting XI tonight.

There might be a temptation to rest Vydra, but such is his importance to Derby, Rowett has to start him this evening.

Another returning to the starting XI should be Johnson, who is given freedom in an advanced role.

£2.7m-rated Nugent should come in to replace Cameron Jerome in attack, as Rowett looks to freshen Derby’s attack up.