Few predicted Derby County’s push for the play-offs at the start of the 2025/26 season, and despite a rough start, they have given themselves an excellent chance with eight games remaining.

The Rams are within touching distance of the top six, and with one of the best run-ins among the teams vying for a play-off spot, they might slip into those positions as the Championship draws to a close.

However, with Birmingham City, Sheffield United, and Coventry City left to play, John Eustace faces plenty of obstacles before he can even consider the play-offs, and consistency is required in the coming weeks.

Nonetheless, Derby may have a major problem if they finish in the top six alongside Ipswich Town and Southampton, and their manager will be faced with a massive selection headache for potentially three crucial games.

Derby County might lose two crucial players in the play-offs if they meet Ipswich Town or Southampton.

At the present, the playoff scenario appears to be rather uncomplicated. Wrexham would face Ipswich in the semi-finals, while Millwall and Hull City would compete in their own two-legged match. However, teams like the Rams and Southampton still have a chance to finish in the top six.

Both the Tigers and the Red Dragons are at risk of being caught by those below them, with the former struggling to find consistency at the present, and the entire play-off fixture line might change between now and the end of the season.

However, if Derby does face Ipswich in the semi-finals, Sammie Szmodics will miss both matches. The Republic of Ireland player is on loan from the Tractor Boys and would be unable to face his parent club, having missed a league match at Pride Park in February.

Meanwhile, if the Rams meet Southampton, Ben Brereton Diaz will be unable to participate. He has only missed one game since going to Pride Park, and it was against the Saints. Eustace is aware that a situation like this could develop, and it would have a huge impact on his starting lineup for those hypothetical matches.

How Derby County would line up in the play-offs against Ipswich Town or Southampton

Derby have been playing in a 4-2-3-1 formation for several weeks, with Szmodics playing behind the striker since his arrival, while Brereton Diaz has the right wing position locked down.

However, if the Chile international is unavailable in the play-offs, and the Rams advance to face Southampton, Jaydon Banel would be an ideal option. The Burnley loanee is yet to make his first start for Eustace, but he is showing very promising signs, and his pace on the right flank would be incredibly difficult for the Saints to handle.

Meanwhile, if Derby face Ipswich, Bobby Clark is the most obvious like-for-like replacement in the offensive midfield. The RB Salzburg loanee has had a great year at Pride Park, but he hasn’t been as consistent as he once was in recent weeks.

The Rams have cover, but there is a genuine possibility that they may lose two of their key players in the playoffs if they finish in the top six. Nonetheless, this is an issue Eustace would like to have, and he will be aiming for a successful last eight games of the season.