Amidst ongoing squad issues, Derby County will play host to Salford City in the first round of this year's EFL Cup competition.

Wayne Rooney's side did earn a creditable point in the season opener against Huddersfield Town despite being widely expected to fall to a defeat, while their visitors also took a point against Leyton Orient in the opening game of the League Two campaign.

Match preview

Derby County headed into the upcoming season with a threadbare senior squad, given financial issues and league sanctions, meaning they have been widely expected to be in a battle at the bottom of the division this year.

In fact, it is somewhat of a surprise that the Rams still find themselves in the second tier now, having narrowly escaped the drop last year on a dramatic final day, as they drew 3-3 with Sheffield Wednesday to send the Yorkshire outfit down instead, while ongoing disciplining threatened to relegate them following the conclusion of the campaign.

Nonetheless, Rooney led his side into the new Championship season on Saturday with a home clash against Huddersfield Town to begin, and they took the lead thanks to Curtis Davies's goal in the 39th minute.

That would not last long though, as Naby Sarr drew the visitors level in the final piece of action before half time, with the game ending level and the two sides sharing the points.

Facing a daunting task this season with a depleted squad, Rooney will take the positives from a point on the opening day, and they will hope for a cup victory on Tuesday to lift the mood in the camp.

Salford will look to take advantage of Derby's situation on Tuesday as they aim to book their spot in the second round with what would still be an eye-catching win.

Last season, Salford City showed an impressive progression in their second campaign in the football league, eventually finishing in eighth spot in League Two, with only a disappointing run of form after the turn of the year costing them a place in the playoffs.

Now heading into their first full season under the management of Gary Bowyer, the Ammies will have their sights set on promotion, with three sides going up automatically and the playoff spots stretching down to seventh place.

While they will have hoped for a winning start to the league season, Salford were forced to settle for a point in Saturday's opening clash with Leyton Orient, as Matty Willock drew them level late in the first half after Omar Beckles had put their opponents ahead, seeing the game finish 1-1 as a result.

Bowyer's men will now turn their attention to Tuesday, when they make the trip to Pride Park hoping to record their first competitive win of the campaign.

Team News

Given their threadbare squad, Derby do not have much room to rotate players for Tuesday's game.

Rooney did make three important additions prior to Saturday's league opener though, bringing goalkeeper Ryan Allsop and centre-back Richard Stearman in alongside Curtis Davies, who agreed new terms after his previous contract ran out at the end of last season.

One change that will likely take place is the introduction of exciting midfielder Louie Sibley, who was reduced to a substitute appearance last time out but should be deployed from the start to ensure the likes of Graeme Shinnie and Max Bird remain fresh.

Salford City should again field their new summer signings on Tuesday, with the likes of attacker Conor McAleny and midfielder Matty Willock expected to be key men throughout the season.

Experienced forward Iain Henderson could be dropped to the bench, with Bowyer potentially prioritising league action for the 36-year-old.

Derby County possible starting lineup:
Allsop; Byrne, Davies, Stearman, Forsyth; Bird, Sibley; Ebosele, Hutchinson, Watson; Kazim-Richards

Salford City possible starting lineup:
King; Shephard, Lowe, Turnbull, Touray; Lund, Willock; Thomas-Asante, Morris, McAleny; Elliott

We say: Derby County 1-2 Salford City

Given the issues around Derby's squad, and the fact that they may field several youngsters with the aim of assessing the players that they have at their disposal, we see Salford catching the Rams off guard and progressing with an away win on Tuesday.

The Ammies will be desperate to record a victory over Championship opposition, while their hosts may have more than half an eye on the Championship schedule.