Derby V Leicester at Pride Park Stadium : Match Preview

Green to drop into defence Midfielder Paul Green will fill in at right-back once again when Derby host midlands rivals Leicester. John Brayford returned to the position against Southampton at the weekend but had to be withdrawn after 58 minutes after suffering another thigh injury. Scans have since revealed the severity of the tear to Brayford's thigh muscle and he could miss the remainder of the season. Green's absence in midfield means Jamie Ward will probably play wide on the left against the Foxes after partnering Nathan Tyson in attack at St Mary's. Steve Davies, Theo Robinson and Callum Ball will compete with Tyson to fill the two striker roles for the televised clash on Thursday evening. Danny Drinkwater could be included in the Leicester squad for the short trip. The foot injury that Drinkwater suffered against Watford eight days ago has not proved to be serious and the former Manchester United midfielder has resumed training. Manager Nigel Pearson left captain Matt Mills and fellow defender Paul Konchesky out of the starting XI against Norwich last weekend and saw his side beat the Premier League club 2-1 to reach the FA Cup sixth round. They will be hoping for recalls. Centre-half Sol Bamba will be in contention for the televised clash following his return from the African Nations Cup but full-back John Pantsil has been given extended leave because of a family bereavement. Forward Paul Gallagher will remain sidelined with the hamstring injury that ruled him out against Norwich. The game signals the end of striker Nathan Delfouneso's loan spell from Aston Villa.

Derby V Leicester - view commentary, squad, and statictics of the game live.

Source: PA

---