Paul Warne must learn from his mistake of using a two-man midfield against Northampton Town by unleashing an ‘exceptional’ Derby County player against Blackpool.
Derby County still have promotion to the Championship in their own hands despite losing 1-0 to Northampton last weekend. The Rams are four points clear of third having played a game more than Bolton Wanderers.
The Easter period is proving pivotal for Paul Warne with a home clash against Blackpool and an away trip to leaders Portsmouth in the space of four days.
Depending on how the results plan out across the next two matches, the promotion picture could look completely different and Warne will want to ensure Derby are on the right side of the dotted line.
Ahead of their fixture against Blackpool on Good Friday, it’s likely the Rams boss will revert to a 4-3-3 formation following the suspension of Sonny Bradley and the injury to Craig Forsyth.
After Conor Hourihane and Ebou Adams were overrun in midfield against the Cobblers, switching back to a three-man midfield will be a welcomed decision.
Hourihane and Adams are likely to start alongside each other, but the third spot is seemingly up for grabs.
Warne could choose to go with academy graduate Liam Thompson, but Korey Smith equally deserves a chance in the engine room and he should start against the Tangerines.
Why Korey Smith should start vs Blackpool
Smith was a regular fixture in midfield during the early parts of the season and featured in each of Derby’s first 17 matches in League One.
Playing in a double pivot alongside Hourihane with Max Bird given the license to roam forward, Smith’s relentless energy and ability to win the ball back complemented the attributes of the Republic of Ireland maestro.
Sadly, the former Bristol City man missed 14 matches due to a knee injury, so once he earned a place back in the squad, loanee Adams was preferred next to Hourihane.
Now, with Warne potentially switching to a flat midfield three, the “exceptional” Smith deserves his chance in the side.
Derby seriously lacked energy in the middle of the park at the weekend and as seen when he was brought on against Bolton, the 33-year-old’s introduction changed the game.
Unlike Hourihane, who is limited with his work rate out of possession, Smith will cover every blade of grass while taking the fight to the opposition.
At this stage of the season, winning those individual battles is so important and the energetic midfielder can help give Derby further control next to Adams and Hourihane against Blackpool.
The post Warne must fix his tactical error by unleashing ‘exceptional’ Derby County ace on Blackpool - opinion appeared first on Derby County News.