Derby County continue to show that they are somewhat of a yo-yo team in this season's Championship race for promotion, with Steve McClaren's men really struggling to find consistent form throughout vast parts of the campaign.

The Rams have had extremely poor spells and very good spells too, but with the season coming towards it's latter stages, it's important that as many points are picked up as possible over the coming months.

And this evening, McClaren's side travel to Brighton and Hove Albion, in arguably their toughest fixture of the campaign.

The Seagulls have been superb throughout much of the campaign and Chris Hughton has got his side playing very well indeed at the AMEX and it will be no easy feat for Derby to even get a point.

But to get something out of the game, there's a couple of players we think should be benched from the off.

So with that in mind, here's 2 Derby players that must be axed from the starting XI against Derby...

Matej Vydra

Despite getting a goal in Derby's last outing against Preston North End, the Czech forward has failed to discover any sort of goalscoring form throughout large parts of the season.

It was his first goal since October and for the Rams to really start competing at the top of the table again, they need a man leading the line that can score week-in, week-out.

Take Chris Wood at Leeds United for example- a man that has found fantastic form somewhat out of the blue.

David Nugent

As hardworking as he is, The Rams shouldn't have to start a player like Darren Bent on the bench, who has a goalscoring pedigree at the highest level in England.

It seems a little harsh on Football League journeyman Nugent, but as we've seen on many occasions in the past, Bent has the pace, power and goalscoring prowess to really change games.

He should certainly get the nod in big games like these.