After securing their first home win of the campaign in midweek, Derby County return to Pride Park Stadium to take on Preston North End on Saturday.
Frank Lampard’s side will be looking for back-to-back victories when they come up against Alex Neil’s men, and dcfc.co.uk has put together everything you need to know ahead of the game against the Lilywhites.
TEAM NEWS…
Derby boss Lampard told RamsTV that Tom Huddlestone and Scott Malone are both in contention for the visit of Preston.
Huddlestone is yet to feature in a competitive game this season after picking up an injury towards the end of pre-season, whilst Malone missed the visit of Ipswich Town after coming off at half-time against Millwall.
The game is likely to come too soon for Curtis Davies and Harry Wilson, while Marcus Olsson remains a long-term absentee.
George Evans is ruled out after picking up a knee injury in midweek, but Lampard confirmed that there was “good news” in his pre-match press conference, with Evans likely to be out for four to six weeks.
WHAT THE BOSS HAD TO SAY?
“It’s going to be another tough test on Saturday, like they all are in the Championship.
“I watched Preston the other night when they played at Norwich and they were very solid until late in the game when Norwich won it.
“They had a very good season last year for a reason and have a very good manager. They are very well drilled, organised, have good players in their team and are a strong group in attacking areas.
“They will be very difficult to break down, that’s for sure, and will offer something against us. We need to be on top form.
“We need to try and make sure, if we can, to get some momentum.
“For me, momentum comes from a mindset of hard work on the training ground and not feeling everything is good just because we have won one game. We need to keep pushing and pushing and if you have that attitude, hopefully the wins will follow.”
HOW DO I SECURE MY SEAT?
Not secured your ticket yet ahead of Saturday’s game?
Matchday ticket prices have been confirmed ahead of Derby County’s second game at Pride Park Stadium this week.
Ticket prices are increased on the day of a game, so pre-purchasing prior to matchdays is recommended.
Tickets are available for Derby County supporters from*:
Adult - £28
Senior - £20.50
Under-18 - £16.50
2 to 12 - £10
*Category D & E prices are listed above.
A £1 per ticket booking fee applies when purchasing by either telephone or online.
For matchday ticket enquiries and purchases, please visit the Ticket Office at Pride Park Stadium or call 0871 472 1884* (option 1).
Alternatively, supporters can also buy tickets online right here on dcfc.co.uk.
*Calls cost 13p per minute, plus your phone company's access charge.
TRAVEL UPDATE…
Supporters are being warned that major road works are continuing to take place on the A52 W/B on Tuesday evening.
As part of these works, Lane 1 on the A52 W/B is suspended between Raynesway and Wyvern.
WHO FEATURES IN THE RAM?
Fikayo Tomori grabbed the headlines with his first professional goal in the Carabao Cup against Oldham Athletic and after an impressive start to life with the Rams, he sat down for an exclusive interview.
We spoke to the 20-year-old about the confusion surrounding *that* goal, his experience of working with Jody Morris at Chelsea and winning the World Cup with England.
As ever, The Ram will be jam-packed with news and features and retails at just £3 from around Pride Park Stadium.
THE LAST MEETING…
Preston North End 0-1 Derby County
Tom Lawrence has become something of a specialist from long-range free-kicks for Derby, and that’s something that began the last time these two met.
The Rams headed to Deepdale off the back of a run of eight games without a win and after the bitterly disappointing 4-1 home defeat against Sunderland.
Derby had to withstand heavy pressure on the day, but victory was secured thanks to Lawrence’s swerving, dipping set-piece in the second half.
The visitors may only have had one shot on target all afternoon, but it was enough to take the three points back to Pride Park.
Preston North End: Maxwell; Fisher, Huntington, Davies, Cunningham; Pearson, Gallagher; Barkhuizen (Bodin 73’), Browne (Moult 63’), Robinson (Johnson 79’); Maguire.
Derby County: Carson; Wisdom, Pearce, Davies, Baird; Huddlestone, Ledley; Weimann, Vydra (Palmer 74’), Lawrence (Hanson 89’); Nugent (Jerome 90’).
WHO’S THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE?
David Webb will be the man in the middle when Derby County take on Preston North End.
Webb has taken charge of two Sky Bet Championship games so far this season, dishing out four yellow cards and is yet to show a red card.
It will be the first time since March 2016 that Webb has taken charge of a game involving the Rams, when Derby drew 3-3 away at Rotherham United. Although he was the fourth official for Tuesday night's clash with Ipswich Town.
Webb will be assisted by Mark Russell and James Wilson on the lines, whilst Peter Wright has been appointed the fourth official.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE ACTION…
Available on YouTube, dcfc.co.uk and the official DCFC app, the weekly RamsTV Preview Show has already kicked off the build-up to the game, whilst Rams fans can also watch exclusive interviews with manager Frank Lampard and full-back Craig Forsyth.
Saturday afternoon will see RamsTV LIVE from 2.30pm when Owen Bradley will be joined in the Pride Park studio by former Derby County stars Kevin Wilson and Shaun Barker. The trio will build up to kick-off with clips, stats, exclusive interviews and of course, lively studio discussion. RamsTV’s pre-match show is FREE to watch for all, through both dcfc.co.uk and the official DCFC app.
Supporters based outside of the UK and Republic of Ireland will then be able to watch every kick of the game (kick-off 3pm) with commentary from Jack Woodward and Marc Edworthy.
Once the final whistle has been blown, RamsTV will be THE place to be get all the best post-match reaction, including exclusive interviews with Frank Lampard and his players, as well as comprehensive highlights packages.
For Streaming options please click here.