Derby have opted to take no risks with their skipper against Albion today.

The Championship leaders have left Richard Keogh out of their side to face the Seagulls due to a hamstring problem.

They bring in Jake Buxton to replace the previously ever-present Keogh alongside Ryan Shotton.

Buxton also takes over the captaincy.

That is one of three changes to the side which kicked off last Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Leeds.

Steve McClaren prefers Craig Bryson to Will Hughes in midfield after the former performed well as a sub in recent away fixtures at Watford and Elland Road.

McClaren also gives recent sub Simon Dawkins the nod over Jordan Ibe on the left of their front three.

That means Rams name the same attacking trio as started their last home game, a 5-0 demolition of Wolves.

Derby: Grant, Christie, Shotton, Buxton, Forsyth; Mascarell; Hendrick, Bryson; Russell, Martin, Dawkins. Subs: Roos, Ward, L.Naylor, Eustace, Hughes, Best, Ibe.