Derby County look to retain their place in the play-offs against promotion-chasing rivals Bristol City at Ashton Gate on Saturday, kick-off: 3pm.
The Rams leapfrogged the Robins to take sixth place with three games remaining in the Sky Bet Championship and will be hoping to extend that gap this weekend. Here, dcfc.co.uk has gathered all the information you will need ahead of the clash.
TEAM NEWS…
Lampard said ahead of the clash that Duane Holmes will be in contention to make a return against Bristol City having missed the past four games with a quadriceps injury.
Craig Bryson will not be involved as he continues to be assessed after leaving the game against Queens Park Rangers on Easter Monday early. The game will also come too soon for Ashley Cole who picked up a groin muscle injury during the warm-up of the same game.
WHAT THE BOSS HAD TO SAY…
Speaking to RamsTV, Lampard said: “Behind closed doors, in how we work and how we focus, we have to remain calm and not get over excited with the fact we are in the top six.
“There is lots of work to be done. Fans can get excited, we need their support, I know they are traveling well to Bristol.
“We are not silly, we know the importance of the game, but we have to prepare, we have to work, we have to be mentally ready, for not just this game, but the last three.”
HOW TO SECURE YOUR SEAT…
Tickets for away supporters for the Sky Bet Championship clash between Bristol City and Derby County have now sold out.
Derby were allocated 2,671 tickets for the game, however, they have now all been snapped up and Frank Lampard’s side will be supported on by a sell-out away section.
THE LAST MEETING…
Derby County 1-1 Bristol City
22nd December 2018
Derby County controlled the opening sages of the game, but it was Bristol City who found the opening goal when Jamie Paterson chipped in.
Their lead didn’t last long however, as Martyn Waghorn steered in the equaliser from Mason Mount’s cross just more than ten minutes later for his first goal at Pride Park for the Rams.
Scott Carson produced the Rams’ Save of the Season with his second-half instinctive stop to deny an acrobatic effort by Famara Diedhiou.
The Robins’ keeper, Niki Maenpaa also played a big part in keeping his side in the game denying both Richard Keogh, Jayden Bogle and Mount.
WHO’S THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE…
Darren Bond will be the man in the middle on Saturday afternoon at Ashton Gate. Bond has refereed 35 fixtures so far this season, producing 107 yellow cards and six red cards.
He has officiated three fixtures involving the Rams this season – their 2-0 Carabao Cup victory over Oldham Athletics and draws against Bristol City and Preston North End in the Sky Bet Championship.
Bond will be assisted by Akil Howson and Sam Lewis, while Brett Huxtable has been appointed as the fourth official.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE ACTION…
Saturday afternoon will see RamsTV’s Owen Bradley joined live in the studio by former Rams Marc Edworthy and Kevin Wilson from 2.30pm as they look ahead to kick-off with stats, clips, interviews and lively studio discussion.
Supporters based outside of the UK and the Republic of Ireland will then be able to watch every kick of the game (kick-off 3pm) as part of their RamsTV subscription or for the one-off pay-per-view price of £5.
RamsTV’s coverage includes live commentary from Jack Woodward and Marc Edworthy, a multi-camera mix and instant replays to ensure fans get the best view of all the action from Pride Park.
UK-based fans can access an audio stream for full live radio commentary of the game.