Paul Warne has incredibly tough decision to make ahead of Derby County, Sheffield United clash - View | OneFootball

David Ozoh was brought off early in the second half of the Rams' 1-0 win over Cardiff City on Saturday.

Derby County continued their impressive home run in the league on Saturday with a 1-0 win over Cardiff City at Pride Park Stadium.

Kenzo Goudmijn's second goal in two games was the difference between the two sides, as the Rams heaped more misery on the Bluebirds, who are rooted to the bottom of the table.

Despite the good feeling that has infected DE24 over the last six months following their nine-game winning run in the league at home, an injury to David Ozoh will cause worry for Paul Warne and his staff ahead of this weekend's trip to Sheffield United.

The midfielder, who is on loan from Premier League club Crystal Palace, went down with a hamstring injury just after the break against Cardiff, and his presence in the middle of the park was missed throughout the second half.

Warne now has to decide on how he sets up his Derby team for Saturday's clash at Bramall Lane, with plenty of choices available to replace Ozoh.

Ben Osborn could be in line to play against his former club

Potentially the most obvious choice to replace the 19-year-old is Ben Osborn.

The midfielder missed the Rams' 3-0 win over Bristol City and 2-1 loss to Watford before the break, but returned to the bench on Saturday, taking Ozoh's place after he was brought off.

Although he has already struggled with a knock of his own, the 30-year-old has been excellent in his short-time at Derby.

There will be worries that without the powerhouse that is Ozoh, Warne's team will lose a bit of their defensive strength. However, with Osborn's running and ability to press, he can help minimise that loss.

Nevertheless, it does mean a change in the structure of the midfield, as Derby have been playing with effectively two holding midfielders in their most recent games, with Ebou Adams partnering the Palace loanee.

Osborn is likely to play further forward, closer to Kenzo Goudmijn, meaning that more will be expected from Adams in a defensive sense.

But, with the former Sheffield United player's engine, he will track back when required and help out whenever needed.

Warne could revert to a back-three

There is another way that Warne can set up on Saturday, and he could utilise a tactic that proved to be so successful last season.

The Rams switched between a three and four at the back throughout their promotion campaign, with excellent results.

Sonny Bradley was the third centre-back alongside Curtis Nelson and Eiran Cashin, when Warne went with a three, and towards the end of 2023/24, it was extremely effective.

Nat Phillips could be the player to come into the three after signing on loan from Liverpool on deadline day. The 27-year-old has limited Championship experience, but could be the perfect defender to slot in next to Derby's number 35 and number six.

It would mean a change in the midfield arrangement, as Adams and Goudmijn become a two, but the Rams will have defensive stability against a fantastic Sheffield United team, a key trait in their time under Warne.