Derby County will look to move closer to securing a place in the Sky Bet Championship Play-Offs when they take on Swansea City on Wednesday evening at Liberty Stadium, kick-off 7.45m.
It is the final away trip for Frank Lampard’s side in the regular season as aim to build momentum for the final games to end in the top-six. Here, dcfc.co.uk have gathered all the information you will need ahead if the clash with Graham Potter’s side.
TEAM NEWS…
Fikayo Tomori left the game against Bristol City early on Saturday after sustaining a bad dead leg. He is being assessed in the days between the Bristol City and Swansea City fixtures and it unclear whether he will be available.
Craig Bryson will not be available for the fixture as he continues to recover from ankle ligament injury, although Duane Holmes will be in contention.
WHAT THE BOSS HAD TO SAY…
Speaking to RamsTV, Lampard said: “Without a doubt we need to keep calm and focused because we need to get more points to make sure [we make the play-offs]. We are in a nice position and the feeling is good but we need to focus.
“Swansea are a different challenge completely [to Bristol City]. They are playing very well at the moment, particularly at home and we need to be ready.”
He added: “They made a run and are playing good football. The club is in a transition after coming down from the Premier League. They are a dangerous team for us.
“They are not in a position now to fight for the play-offs, but that can sometimes give them the freedom as well. I don’t think we should take anything for granted, I certainly won’t. It will be a tough match.
“We will always approach it with a positive attitude to try and win the game. A win puts us very, very close and then goal difference would come into play slightly.”
THE LAST MEETING…
Derby County 2-1 Swansea City
Saturday 1st December 2018
A superb Harry Wilson first-half brace secured all three points for the Rams in the reverse fixture at Pride Park Stadium.
The Welsh winger struck in the 30th then 40th minute, both from outside the box to give Derby a deserved lead ahead of the break after Richard Keogh found the back of the net early on, only to be adjudged to be offside.
The visitors pulled one back late on through an own goal by Tomori.
The meeting handed academy product Max Bird his league debut when he replaced Mason Mount in added time.
WHO’S THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE…
Peter Bankes will be the man in the middle at Liberty Stadium on Wednesday evening. Bankes has refereed 38 matches so far this season, producing 155 yellow cards and four red cards.
He has officiated two fixtures involving the Rams this season against Leeds United and Rotherham United.
Bankes will be assisted by Andrew Fox and Mark Jones on the lines, whilst Andy Woolmer has been appointed as the fourth official.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE ACTION…
Fans based outside of the UK will be able to catch all the action LIVE on RamsTV.
The game will NOT be available to watch live for supporters within the UK, Ireland and the Channel Isles. This is due to a decision taken by the home club meaning the live video stream will only be available internationally.
As usual, RamsTV’s pre-match content will be available to watch for free for all fans across dcfc.co.uk, the official Derby County app and YouTube.
Wednesday evening will see RamsTV’s Owen Bradley joined live in the studio by special guests from 7:15pm as they look ahead to kick-off with stats, clips, interviews and lively studio discussion.
International Supporters 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 Martin Fisher and Shane Nicholson, a multi-camera mix and instant replays to ensure fans get the best view of all the action from the Liberty Stadium.
UK-based fans can access an audio stream for full live radio commentary of the game.
Full video and audio streaming options can be found here.