Preview: Torquay United vs. Derby County - prediction, team news, lineups

At a time when the Rams currently occupy a spot outside of the League One playoff spots, Torquay sit bottom of the National League table.

Match preview

Given his managerial credentials at League One level, Derby fans would have hoped that Paul Warne would have made an instant impact at Pride Park.

However, the East Midlands giants have recorded just three wins in nine outings since Warne's arrival from Rotherham United, leaving the club outside of the top six.

With a 12-point gap already to second place, Derby need a strong second half of the season to remain in contention for automatic promotion, but their immediate goal will be putting together a prolonged unbeaten streak.

On a positive note, Derby have come through three games without suffering a defeat, collecting five points from matches against Exeter City, Bristol Rovers and Morecambe.

Nevertheless, just two wins have come from eight away fixtures in League One, leaving opponents Torquay to dream about causing a considerable upset at the weekend.

After last season's 11th-placed finish, the Gulls have been drastically below par this campaign, a run of just one win in 14 matches leaving the club cut adrift at the bottom of the table.

However, Gary Johnson's side produced one of the most unforeseen results of the entire season last time out, shaking off that run to beat Aldershot Town by a 6-1 scoreline.

Torquay were 5-0 ahead by the 49th minute before coasting through the remainder of the game, and Johnson will hope that it is a catalyst for better things to come.

A place in this round of the competition was secured after overcoming National League South side Hampton & Richmond 2-1 in a replay on away territory.

Torquay United FA Cup form:

Torquay United form (all competitions):

L

L

D

L

L

W

Derby County form (all competitions):

W

L

L

D

W

D

Team News

With Liverpool to come in the EFL Cup three days later, Warne may consider making several changes to his Derby XI for Sunday's game.

Second-choice goalkeeper Scott Loach could get an opportunity between the sticks, while Liam Thompson and William Osula may feature in midfield and attack.

Richard Stearman could earn a recall in defence, with Eiran Cashin, Max Bird and James Collins potentially being provided with a rest, particularly the first two of that trio who have started every League One fixture.

Johnson will hope to be able to select the same Torquay XI which started the rout over Aldershot earlier this week.

Torquay's loan quartet of Mark Ellis, Lucas Ness, Stephen Wearne and Dillon De Silva have all been given permisson to play by their respective clubs.

Torquay United possible starting lineup:

Halstead; Ellis, Moxey, Donnellan, Ness, Hall, Lapslie, Wearne, De Silva, Jarvis Goodwin

Derby County possible starting lineup:

Loach; Smith, Stearman, Forsyth, Roberts; Mendez-Laing, Sibley, Thompson, Dobbin; McGoldrick, Osula

We say: Torquay United 1-4 Derby County

While Derby have generally been poor in front of goal this season, that could change on Sunday. There will be times when Torquay will rally and play without pressure, but the Rams should ease to victory on the South coast.

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