Derby County travel to the DW Stadium on Saturday to face Wigan Athletic.

Steve McClaren's men have now recorded four consecutive wins in the league, climbing from the edge of the relegation zone to just 3 points from a play-off place since the former England boss returned as Derby manager.

The Rams go into the game having beaten Norwich City in their last match, with Bradley Johnson bagging the winner against his former club, while Warren Joyce tasted victory as Wigan boss for the first time on Monday night as they beat high-flying Huddersfield 2-1.

The last time these two sides met, Derby ran out 2-0 winners at the DW Stadium in a win that all but condemned the Latics to relegation to League One.

Stephen Warnock, who could captain Wigan at the weekend, started for the Rams on that day.

A win for Joyce's side could lift them out of the bottom three, while Derby have a chance of climbing into the play-offs for the first time this season if they pick up the three points.

FootballLeagueWorld writer Rob Booth identifies the line-up that should beat Wigan this Saturday...

GK - Scott Carson

Scott Carson

Scott Carson could face Wigan for the first time since leaving in the summer of 2015.

The shot stopper signed for Derby 2 seasons ago and has made 54 league appearances for the Rams.

Carson's form has improved drastically over the last few months and he has become one of the most important players in the Derby line-up.

It's likely he'll continue in goal on Saturday and face his former side in what would be his 19th league game of 2016/17.

RB - Chris Baird

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Chris Baird is a player that very few fans wanted to see come into the right back position in Cyrus Christie's absence, but he's played well in the last few games and it's now his position to lose.

The Northern Ireland international been a solid defender when called upon by Steve McClaren, blocking shots and winning the ball back frequently during games, as well as playing the odd ball forward too.

CB - Richard Keogh

Richard Keogh

Richard Keogh has had a good season, despite Derby's poor start to 2016/17.

The Rams' defence, which Keogh has been a vital part of, has not conceded a goal at the iPro Stadium since McClaren's return to Derby back in October, and overall they have conceded just 3 goals in their last 7 matches.

The Republic of Ireland international captained Derby to a win at Wigan in their last trip to the DW, and fans will be hoping for the same outcome this weekend.

CB - Alex Pearce

Alex PearceAlex Pearce

Alex Pearce had another solid game for Derby last week as he helped his side to a victory over Norwich.

Once again Pearce and Keogh took the opposition's forwards out the game, winning the majority of aerial balls and clearing all danger that Norwich provided.

The two Irish defenders are a great partnership and are quickly becoming one of the best centre back pairings in the Sky Bet Championship.

LB - Max Lowe

Max Lowedds

Max Lowe has been a star for Derby and perhaps even a good luck charm.

The Rams have won every league game that Lowe has appeared in this season with the youngster playing in 6 Championship fixtures for Derby as well as making 2 appearances in the EFL Cup.

The 19-year-old possesses great pace and can also dribble or cross the ball with ease, and at the back he can stop the opposition players' runs, winning the ball back for the team.

Rams' fans can't speak highly enough of Max Lowe who clearly has a great career ahead of him.

CDM - Jamie Hanson

Jamie HansonJamie Hanson

Jamie Hanson could make an appearance in midfield this Saturday ahead of Bradley Johnson.

Despite his great form Johnson could be rested because if he were to pick up a yellow card, he'd receive a one match ban meaning he'd miss the Nottingham Forest game in a fortnight.

It's likely McClaren will stick with Johnson in the holding role but if he decides to rest him then Jamie Hanson can slot into the starting XI and is more than capable of doing the job.

Hanson is a tough tackler and is another product of the Derby youth academy with a big future ahead of him.

CM - Jacob Butterfield

jacob butterfield

Jacob Butterfield has been a good midfielder for Derby, but like many players his form has picked up since the return of Steve McClaren, who left before Butterfield first arrived at the iPro Stadium.

The centre midfielder has an eye for a pass but can also pop up with a goal of his own, and when he does they're usually great strikes.

His efforts against Rotherham, Burnley and Blackburn last season are all goals worth watching again.

CM - Will Hughes

WH

One of the top, if not the best, players at Derby County is Will Hughes.

Hughes is a brilliant creative midfielder who can unlock defences with his great passing ability.

Hughes suffered a bad injury last season but has come back fighting; he's played in every game in all competitions for Derby this season, and it's highly likely McClaren will give him his 19th league appearance of the season.

RW - Tom Ince

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Tom Ince will be one of the first names on the team sheet at the moment for Derby, as his performances have matched those of his loan spell in the 2014/15 season.

The winger has bagged 4 goals in his last 3 games for the Rams, and as well as his goals, his all round performances have been miles better than they were under Nigel Pearson.

Ince cannot be dropped now he's back to his best form, and McClaren will probably want to keep a similar attack to the one that's finally banging in goals for Derby.

LW - Johnny Russell

Johnny RussellJohnny Russell

Johnny Russell is favoured on the left flank to Ikechi Anya, who has started just 2 games since McClaren's return.

The 26-year-old was a great player during Steve Mac's first spell in charge at Derby and it looks as if his second spell will be no different.

The Scotsman is a good dribbler with pace and energy, as well as an eye for goal, which is why he's an important player for the East Midlands club.

ST - Darren Bent

benty

Darren Bent has looked a changed player since McClaren's return as Rams boss.

The former England frontman has always been able to score goals but, prior to McClaren coming back, his hold up play was poor and he was constantly being caught offside, which isn't the case now.

Bent has ousted record signing Matej Vydra from the starting XI with his goal scoring contributions and there's no reason he shouldn't continue at Wigan on Saturday.

 

Derby fans... What XI would you name for Saturday? Would you play Johnson and risk him missing the Forest game? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!