Eustace will set his Rams up in that familiar 4-3-3, a shape designed to press high and force errors. The midfield three will look to dominate the centre, with the wide forwards stretching Cardiff's back line. Expect Derby to come out fast, looking to knock the ball around and create chances through the half-spaces. They'll want to get the crowd involved early — an early goal changes everything. Cardiff, under their expected 3-5-2, will look to stay compact and hit on the break. That wing-back system gives them width, but it can leave gaps in behind if Derby's full-backs push on. The battle will be won in that midfield dogfight — whoever controls the second balls and the tempo will dictate the game.

Cardiff's back three will have their hands full with Derby's front three. The Rams have pace and movement; if they can isolate the centre-backs one-on-one, they'll cause problems. But Cardiff's wing-backs will drop in to make a five, and that could frustrate Derby. The key is whether Eustace's men have the patience to break down a low block. They'll need to be sharp with their passing and ruthless in the box. Set pieces could be a factor too — both sides have height, and a dead-ball moment might settle a tight contest. This has the feel of a game where one moment of quality, or one mistake, decides it.