Derby boss Cocu could make several changes for FA Cup replay against Northampton

Posted Tuesday, February 04, 2020 by PA

Derby boss Phillip Cocu insists Tuesday’s FA Cup fourth-round replay is a big game for his side but it remains to be seen how many changes he makes.

The Rams showed eight alteration for the initial goalless tie but skipper Wayne Rooney retained his place and he will be keen to seal victory and a chance to face former club Manchester United in round five.

Graeme Shinnie will be pushing for a start having come off the bench in Friday’s 4-0 win over Stoke following a hamstring problem, but George Evans will once again miss out.

Krystian Bielik (knee) is a long-term absentee, while Tom Huddlestone’s calf injury will keep him sidelined.

Scott Wharton is in line to return for Northampton having missed the last three games through suspension.

The on-loan Blackburn defender sat out the first meeting with Derby at the PTS Academy Stadium last month but is now free to play.

Cobblers boss Keith Curle will be forced into changes of his own, however, due to the nature of the loan system.

West Brom loanee Callum Morton hit the only goal as Northampton beat Macclesfield in their Sky Bet Championship game at the weekend but is unavailable as he was not registered for the original fourth-round game and the same goes for Mark Marshall and Lloyd Jones.