3/1 To Win
Derby County are set for the first leg of the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi-Final at Pride Park Stadium when they take on Leeds United on Saturday evening, 5:15pm kick-off.
Frank Lampard’s side clinched the final play-off place against West Bromwich Albion last Sunday afternoon and here, dcfc.co.uk has gathered all the information you will need ahead of the home first-leg clash against Marcel Bielsa’s side.
TEAM NEWS…
Martyn Waghorn was forced off with an Achilles injury against West Brom on Sunday. His fitness is being assessed ahead of the play-off semi-final, but he is a doubt, whle Duane Holmes came off with cramp against the Baggies and will have his situaiton monitored closely.
Ashley Cole has been ruled out with a groin injury, as has Craig Bryson due to an ankle problem. Curtis Davies (Achilles) and Craig Forsyth (knee) remain sidelined
WHAT THE BOSS HAD TO SAY…
Speaking to RamsTV, Lampard said: “We must focus on the job in hand. Circuses come with big matches, so that is an achievement by the players and the club to get in the play-offs.
“They must keep their heads down and work, but I think those are the rules of football and particularly in these bigger moments. I have always gone by the mantra of staying humble before these bigger games and respect the opposition going into it.
“What is important is how you prepare yourself to try and get the best performance. That is what myself and the players will be doing.”
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He added: “Form doesn’t count going into this,” he admitted. “It feels good for us, the momentum in the way we are playing is good, but again that only counts when you take it out on the pitch in the two games ahead.
“We have to also respect the fact that Leeds finished points ahead of us, were top of the table for half of the season, at least, and went toe-to-toe with Norwich for a long time, and understand that they are a good team.”
HOW TO SECURE YOUR SEAT…
Tickets for the home leg have completely sold out for this fixture to ensure another bumper crowd to roar on the Rams.
Supporters without a ticket are advised not to visit Pride Park on the day of the game as they will be unable to gain entry to the stadium.
Hospitality packages remain available for Derby County supporters with a valid Fan ID and full details can be found by Clicking Here.
WHAT’S TO COME IN THE RAM…
The Ram sat down with an exclusive interview with Derby County’s Player of the Season, Fikayo Tomori.
Spanning six pages, we spoke to the centre-back about how he has enjoyed his time with the Rams, his excitement for the play-offs and the strong bond within the team.
As ever, The Ram will jam-packed with news and features and retails at just £3 from around Pride Park Stadium.
THE LAST MEETING…
Friday 11th January 2019
Leeds United 2-0 Derby County
Kemar Roofe opened the scoring for the Whites after 20 minutes when he flicked his effort in from the near post.
Two minutes after the restart, Jack Harrison tapped in to double the lead.
WHO’S THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE…
Craig Pawson will be the man in the middle on Saturday evening at Pride Park Stadium. He has refereed 39 fixtures this season, most coming in the Premier League, where he has produced 156 yellow cards and eight red cards.
Pawson will be assisted by Edward Smart and Ian Hussin on the lines, whilst David Coote has been appointed as the fourth official.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE ACTION…
As these matches have been selected for live international TV coverage, and due to international broadcasting rights, RamsTV will only be able to provide an audio stream for both legs of the play-off semi-finals.
RamsTV subscribers will be able to watch full recordings of the matches on the following evening of both fixtures.
RamsTV will also be live 45 minutes before both legs of the semi-final. Owen Bradley will be joined by special guests as they build-up to the games with stats, clips, interviews and lively studio discussion.
There’ll also be all the reaction to the matches including the LIVE and interactive Post Match Extra show, which is available on Derby County’s official Facebook page.
