Scott Parker’s men will be set on bouncing back from their disappointing 1-1 draw against Peterborough in midweek and look to solidify their position above third-placed Huddersfield Town, who are level on points with the Cherries.

The Rams are fighting for their lives at the foot of the table and have lost their last five away matches.

But  Rooney’s team will be hopeful of pulling even closer to safety following their routine victory against fellow strugglers Barnsley in their previous match.

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  • Team news

The fan favourite tough-tackling Colombian midfielder Jefferson Lerma will be back in contention for the Cherries, returning from his four-match ban following his red card against Birmingham City.

However, fullback Adam Smith remains banned for another two matches after his sending off against Preston North End.

Scott Parker has confirmed he faces no fresh injury concerns, as Bournemouth remain without Keiffer Moore, Robbie Brady, and Junior Stanislas for a while longer.

The visitors' longest-serving player Craig Forsyth returns from a spell on the sidelines.

In his pre-match press conference on Thursday, Derby manager Wayne Rooney stated: "Everyone's fit. Everyone's available."

 

  • Predicted Lineups

Bournemouth (4-3-3):

Travers; Stacey, Phillips, Kelly, Zemura; Billing, Cook, Cantwell; Christie, Solanke, Anthony

Derby County (4-3-3):

Allsop; Byrne, Davies, Cashin, Forsyth; Bielik, Bird; Ebosele, Morrison, Lawrence; Plange

 

  • Ones to watch

Jefferson Lerma

The 27-year-old combative midfielder will no doubt be bloodthirsty following his suspension and looking to impress his boss with a tenacious and fearless performance.

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                                       Eíran Cashin

Yet another product of the Moor Farm academy, Eiran Cashin has slotted seamlessly into Derby’s backline and replicated an Irish goliath in his first two appearances for his boyhood club.

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  • Previous meetings

Tom Lawrence starred in the reverse fixture for the Rams as they overcame the hosts in an enthralling encounter at Pride Park earlier on in the season.

The Welshman netted a brace as his team won 3-2 and proved that league position means very little in the EFL Championship.

 

The match is on Saturday, March 12, and will kick off at 15:00 GMT. Coverage will be available to viewers via iFollow for £10, with only those outside of the UK and Ireland able to watch a live stream.