Bielik Starts As Rooney Makes Three Changes For Hull Clash

Midfielder Krystian Bielik makes his first start for Derby County since suffering his second serious knee injury in January 2021 against Bristol City for this evening’s Sky Bet Championship clash against Hull City (7:45pm kick-off).

The Polish international made a dramatic return to action nine days ago as he netted a acrobatic 96th minute equaliser in the 2-2 draw against Birmingham City.

Bielik then played 45 minutes in the 2-0 loss at Huddersfield Town last Wednesday but will step up his recovery from injur as he starts against the Tigers.

He is one of three changes to the side which was beaten at Huddersfield, as the Rams played the majority of the game with ten men.

Richard Stearman misses his first of three matches due to suspension and is replaced in the starting line up by Craig Forsyth, who makes his 250th appearance for the club.

Max Bird also returns to the starting line-up after injury and makes his 100th appearance for the Rams. He replaces Louie Sibley who reverts to the substitute’s bench.

Derby County: Allsop, Byrne, Forsyth, Bielik, Bird, Lawrence (C), Buchanan, Davies, Ebosele, Knight, Plange.

Substitutes: Roos, Sibley, Bardell, Ebiowei, Stretton, Cashin, Thompson.

Hull City: Ingram, Coyle, Greaves, Jones, Docherty, Honeyman (C), Lewis-Potter, McLoughlin, Fleming, Forss, Walsh.

Substitutes: Cartwright, Smallwood, Eaves, Longman, Sayyadmanesh, Huddlestone, Bernard.