Riyad Mahrez is back in contention for Leicester's FA Cup fourth-round clash at Derby on Friday (kick-off 7.55pm), after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations.

The winger has trained with the Foxes this week after Algeria were knocked out of the tournament, but international team-mate Islam Slimani is likely to miss Friday night's East Midlands derby as he is carrying a groin injury.

Derby boss Steve McClaren, who took over from former Leicester boss Nigel Pearson, is calling on their fans to roar the Rams to the next round.

"We have to make sure we start aggressively against Leicester and the supporters can help us do that," he told Rams TV.

"We need to create an unbelievable atmosphere on Friday - with the flags and also vocally too.

"They helped us against Reading on Saturday [a 3-2 win]. I know they were a bit frustrated at times, like we all were, but they are a massive plus for us.

"Towards the end when there was a lot of pressure thrown at us, they helped us then well."

Team news

Derby striker David Nugent may miss the visit of his former club due to a knee injury.

Nugent picked up the knock during the defeat at Leeds on January 13, making his Rams debut following his move from Middlesbrough, and the problem saw him sit out Saturday's home win over Reading.

He will be hoping to face the club where he spent four years as a player between 2011 and 2015 when the Premier League champions arrive at the iPro Stadium for Friday night's fourth-round tie.

Nick Blackman (knee), Ikechi Anya (hamstring) and Cyrus Christie could all be available after injury lay-offs. Defender Christie returned as a late substitute against Reading after missing 11 matches due to a broken foot.

Leonardo Ulloa, who handed in a transfer request last week, is a minor doubt with a thigh problem while Daniel Amartey remains in Gabon on Ghana duty.

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Opta stats

Derby haven't played Leicester City in an FA Cup match, but did play Leicester Fosse in 1894 and 1909 winning both ties.

Leicester won eight of their last nine meetings with the Rams in all competitions (L1).

Derby have failed to score in three of their last four home games against the Foxes.

Ahmed Musa scored twice from the bench in Leicester's third-round win over Everton.

Darren Bent has scored in nine of his last 10 FA Cup games, including all four for Derby (9 goals).

Leicester are looking to win successive away games in the FA Cup for the first time since 2005.

Merson's prediction

Leicester got themselves a great result at Everton in the third round so for them to go and throw that away would be crazy. Derby have promotion via the play-offs on their mind so they could do without a cup run. For that reason, I see Leicester winning.

PAUL PREDICTS: 0-2 (11/1 with Sky Bet)

Betting

Despite Leicester carrying a Premier League status this a tight betting heat. Derby can be backed at 17/10 to win while Ranieri's men are 13/8 shots for an away win.

There are some tasty price boosts being offered up by Sky Bet. Jamie Vardy to score a brace has been boosted from 10/1 to 16/1 and Johnny Russell can be backed at 12/1 instead of 9/1 to score the first goal.