The 3 key battles as Derby County host Leicester City in the FA Cup

Richard Keogh vs Jamie Vardy

Ranieri named a strong team for the third round clash at Everton and, with local bragging rights on the line, he may well do the same again at the iPro Stadium on Friday.

Thus, England international Jamie Vardy could lead the line for the Foxes in a bid to reach the last 16, and indeed give them some respite from their frustrating league form.

Vardy himself has struggled to replicate last season’s form this time round, having netted just five league goals thus far, yet he has the pace and tenacity to get at a Derby defence that don’t concede too many at home.

The Rams have conceded just seven goals at the iPro in the Championship this season, and Richard Keogh deserves some credit for that fine defensive record after several solid performances this term.

The 30-year-old has been particularly strong in recent weeks, and if McClaren is to play a strong side, you’d expect him to be in it.

Nonetheless, there won’t be many, if any, Championship forwards as talented, as quick, or as agile as Vardy, so how well Keogh is able to marshal and frustrate him will be key if Derby want to progress to round five.