This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Derby County will be hoping they can get their mixed season back on track when they host Wigan Athletic tonight, following a heavy 3-0 defeat to Charlton Athletic at the weekend, a result that leaves the Rams down in 15th place in the Championship.

In 12 league matches Derby have conceded 18 goals so far this season, raising the question whether manager Phillip Cocu needs to strengthen in defence and in goal particularly, where an additional keeper could provide more cover and competition to current number one Kelle Roos, who has come under fire recently.

So is a replacement for Roos a must for Cocu in January?

We discuss........

Sam Rourke

"Cocu has to think about it.

"I've never really been fully convinced about Roos' ability to be a first-team Championship goalkeeper, with him having a handful of shaky displays of late.

"He strikes me as a goalkeeper that needs to have confidence when playing, and at the moment he is going through one of them spells that many players go through, whereby things just don't seem to consistently be going his way.

"With Scott Carson out on loan at Manchester City,  it's fair to say that they have let go of some experience between the sticks and a more experienced head could be needed in January.

"Though at the same time, it's important not to knock his confidence too much, as he is just likely going through a sticky spell."

Chris Gallagher

"Yes, I think they do.

"You have to remember that Roos had been number two for Derby since joining up until the second half of last season. So, whilst he did well on the whole after coming in, his career up to that point suggested it was just a good run of form.

"Unfortunately he hasn't been able to build on that and his performances this season have been a real issue.

"It's never easy to sign players in January though but the Rams need to have a few options lined up and if they can finalise a deal for someone it would make total sense."

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Kris Smith

“I don’t think they need to completely replace Roos, but more cover in this position would be good to provide experience.

“Roos had a good season last time out when Derby reached the play-off final and that shouldn’t be forgotten about just because of a poor run of form.

“Derby’s current run runs much deeper than just that Roos isn’t playing well, the whole defence has been poor and if that’s the case, it’s hard to place blame solely on the ‘keeper.

“Those below Roos in the pecking order would not fill anyone with much confidence so maybe a new arrival could be good for depth, but not to completely cast out Roos.”