Team News: Two changes for Derby County ahead of Middlesbrough clash

Derby County have made two changes to their lineup ahead of their Championship clash against Middlesbrough at the iPro Stadium this evening.

Defender Cyrus Christie and midfielder Craig Bryson are slotted into Steve McClaren's starting XI as two of the division's heavyweights come head to head.

Meanwhile Boro are experiencing a defensive crisis as Daniel Ayala and Ryan Fredericks are both out with hamstring injuries, while full-back Damia Abella is absent with a long-term knee injury.

Aitor Karanka's charges won this season's reverse fixture 2-0 at the Riverside Stadium in December.

Derby: Grant, Christie, Keogh, Albentosa, Forsyth, Hanson, Bryson, Hughes, Ince, Ward, Russell Subs: Roos, Shotton, Hendrick, Dawkins, Lingard, Warnock, Thomas

Middlesbrough: Dimi, Kalas, Woodgate, Gibson, Friend, Adomah, Clayton, Leadbitter, Tomlin, Vossen, Bamford Subs: Ripley, Forshaw, Nsue, Omeruo, Reach, Whitehead, Kike