Macclesfield Next Up As Pre-Season Gathers Pace

Derby County will head to Macclesfield Town in their second pre-season fixture ahead of the 2017/18 Sky Bet Championship season this afternoon.

Kick-off is at 3pm at Moss Rose as the Rams continue their preparations for the upcoming campaign.

Gary Rowett’s side will play a total of seven friendly matches in the lead-up to the big kick-off at Sunderland in just under three weeks’ time, on Friday 4th August.

Derby got their games programme underway on Tuesday with a 4-0 victory at Kidderminster Harriers, with Rowett giving each player 45 minutes each at Aggborough Stadium to ease themselves back into match action.

It is expected to be the same again this afternoon, with the 43-year-old keen to spread the minutes right across the group.

The Rams’ boss had the vast majority of his squad available for the game at Kidderminster. Jason Shackell (back), George Thorne (hamstring) and Ikechi Anya (illness) were ruled out, while Max Lowe only resumed training recently after a lengthy lay-off.

It is hoped that Scotland international wideman Anya will be able to return to the fold after training with the squad on Friday.

Supporters can watch the game on RamsTV's live stream for FREE - simply by registering an account on dcfc.co.uk.

As ever, a full match report and reaction will also be on dcfc.co.uk and RamsTV after the game.