Derby County face Birmingham City this weekend at Pride Park, with the hosts keen to recover from a 4-1 mauling against Bristol City in their last outing.

Gary Rowett’s men have struggled to put together a real run of form this season, and just as it appears the Rams are beginning to show signs of life, the flames are quickly put out by a convincing defeat.

Birmingham are in disarray following the sacking of Harry Redknapp just eight games into the new season, and Rowett will certainly sympathise with the former Tottenham manager, having been given the boot by the Blues despite the club sitting in the playoff places at the time.

There will be no loved loss between the pair however, and Rowett will be keen to put his former side to the sword to ensure the three points remain in Derbyshire.

Changes must be made from the defeat to the Robins, and this is the starting XI Rowett must send out if he is to comfortably defeat Birmingham on Saturday…

Scott Carson maintains his places in goal, with Curtis Davies, Martin Olsson and Richard Keogh all retaining their spots in the starting XI.

However a change at full-back could materialise, with former Liverpool trainee Andre Wisdom coming in to replace the experienced Chris Baird on the right side of defence.

Tom Huddlestone and Bradley Johnson will occupy the holding roles, although one of the pair could be usurped in the coming weeks following the signing of Joe Ledley on a free transfer.

Matej Vydra, who nabbed the consolation goal on Saturday, should be moved out wide, and Tom Lawrence should come into the middle behind the main striker.

The former Leicester City man who arrived in a £5 million deal from the Foxes this summer has been used out wide by Rowett thus far, but a switch into the middle could see the player begin to find his feet at Pride Park.

Johnny Russell should come in on the right to replace Andreas Weimann, who was subbed against City, with Sam Winnall coming in for the £3 million rated David Nugent as the lone striker.

Winnall arrived on loan from Sheffield Wednesday last month, and given a run in the side, will score lots of goals for Rowett’s men.

It is a must win for the Rams against a struggling Birmingham City, although the Blues will be out for blood following the shock sacking of Redknapp on Saturday.

What changes would you make to this XI, Derby fans?