One of the standout Championship fixtures of the weekend sees Aston Villa travel to Derby with both sides needing three points to help their promotion push.

Frank Lampard's Rams are chasing the top two, whilst Villa's situation is more pressing with Dean Smith's men down in 17th.

Despite that lowly position, they are just seven points behind tomorrow's opponents and will see this as a great chance to reduce the gap.

Yet, the hosts will go into the game as favourites after a strong run of form which has seen them go unbeaten in six, which includes fixtures against several promotion rivals.

However, Lampard will be wary of the quality that Villa boast, which makes this such an intriguing game.

Here we look at a best combined XI between the two talented squads...

This was a straightforward choice, with Carson a solid option compared to Orjan Nyland, who has been unconvincing this season.

The talented youngster has been a major positive for the Rams this season and seems destined to go to the top.

Davies will be up against his old club on Saturday and they will wish they had him in their XI.

The Wales international is starting to find form and comes into this game on the back of an outstanding individual display against Bolton.

This is probably the weakest area of the team. Forsyth has generally been ahead of Scott Malone this season and is a better all-round player than Neil Taylor.

The experienced midfielder has made a difference to the Rams since coming into the side recently with his excellent passing range.

McGinn was a great signing for Villa this summer, with his energy and ability on the ball making him a top midfielder at this level.

The Liverpool loanee has shown his ability time and time again this season and he is a threat with his pace and skill.

With Mason Mount out injured, Grealish should be the standout attacking midfielder at Pride Park and will look to build on his goal and assist against Bolton last Friday.

Bolasie has the pace, power and unpredictability to cause any defence problems in the Championship.

It was a tough call between Abraham and Jack Marriott, but the on-loan Chelsea man has more attributes to his game and is lethal in the second-tier.

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