New faces and old heads - Derby County predicted XI vs Wigan Athletic

Derby County will face newly relegated Wigan Athletic in the opening fixture of the 2023/24 season as they aim for a promotion charge under the first full season with Paul Warne in charge.

Here’s our expected starting XI for Saturday’s game against Wigan Athletic at Pride Park.

Goalkeeper: Joe Wildsmith

Wildsmith had a fantastic season last year and there’s no reason as to why he should be replaced in between the posts. The Rams added Josh Vickers during the summer transfer window but it seems for now as though he will only play backup to Joe Wildsmith.

Centre Back - Curtis Nelson

Curtis Nelson will be looking to make his competitive debut for Derby this weekend. The 30-year-old joined on a free transfer after his contract at Blackpool expired at the end of last season. He’s looked good in preseason even scoring against Stoke City.

Centre Back - Sonny Bradley

Sonny Bradley was an excellent addition to the Rams squad this summer coming from Luton Town. Bradley is known for getting stuck in and hustling opposing attackers. He should be a consistent member of the first team every single week and we expect to see him on Saturday.

Centre Back - Eiran Cashin

Derby’s young star Eiran Cashin has had two very good years as a starting centre back for Derby and this season shouldn’t be any different. The 21-year-old should slot in at centre back nicely for Paul Warne for the majority of weeks. He’ll most likely appear on Saturday.

Left wing-back - Callum Elder

Callum Elder is a slight doubt due to him suffering a slight hip injury. The 28 year-old has resumed training with the rest of the squad and is in an optimistic position ahead of the first game. He’s not had a lot of preseason action but if a player of his quality is fit to play, then it’s a no brainer for Paul Warne.

Right wing-back - Joe Ward

Joe Ward has been a very strong signing even just in preseason. The 27-year-old joined the Rams after his contract expired at Peterborough at the end of last season. He’s arguably been Derby’s best player during the preseason with his pinpoint crosses into the box. He’s looked to develop a good relationship with striker James Collins which could be vital.

Centre midfield - Max Bird

Max Bird is crucial for Derby County. The 22 year-old midfielder has been a great servant for Derby so far in his career and we expect him to start the majority of games this season including Saturday against Wigan. Furthermore, Paul Warne has said he’s wanting to play Bird slightly higher up the pitch so he could be more involved in goalscoring this season too.

Centre midfield - Conor Hourihane

It is well documented that Conor Hourihane is one of Derby’s best players. The Irishman was part of the League One team of the season last year and expectations are just as high. The 32-year-old has been playing as captain during the preseason and he is expected to take the armband permanently this season. He’s going to play a crucial role.

Centre midfield - Korey Smith

Korey Smith will most likley have to step up and replace the departed Jason Knight who left for Bristol City this summer. Smith has put in a couple of decent performances in preseason, including his first professional goal in seven years against Sheffield United last Saturday.

Striker - Nathaniel Mendez-Laing

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing will have to adapt to Paul Warne’s system which would mean that he will have to play up front more. It’s no secret that Derby are trying to bring in a pacey striker, but before they do, Mendez-Laing will have to step into that role. He scored a lovely goal against Stoke City and so maybe a transition to striker could be influential to the Rams.

Striker - James Collins

James Collins has looked like he’s stepping up to that lead striker role. During the preseason, he’s scored a few goals and looked very energetic and in control of his positional play. The 32-year-old needs to score more than last season if he’s to help replace talisman David McGoldrick, there is a lot of pressure on him.