Pre-Match Pack: Swansea City (H)

Derby County face their second home fixture inside four days when they welcome Swansea City to Pride Park Stadium in the Sky Bet Championship on Saturday.

dcfc.co.uk has gathered all the information you need to know ahead of the game (3pm kick-off).

TICKET NEWS…

You can be at Pride Park Stadium to help play your part in driving the team on this weekend - with tickets on sale until two hours before kick-off.

2021/22 Season Ticket holders are able to secure their usual seat location and benefit from a priority booking period.

Derby County Vs Swansea City
Saturday 2nd October (3pm kick-off)
Sky Bet Championship (Level B Fixture)

Important Information

* 2021/22 Season Ticket holders must use the same online process for accessing their tickets as for last month's home matches against Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest and the recent home fixtures against Stoke City and Reading. This can be done either via Post (at zero additional cost), Print at Home or Mobile Ticket. To access tickets, 2021/2022 Season Ticket Holders must select “Reservations” instead of “Buy” when selecting the match.

* Golden Rams tickets will be processed and posted automatically. Matchday Stadium Car Parking is only available for 2021/22 Seasonal Pass holders and will continue to be via guest list until parking permits are dispatched.

* Derby County Membership Holders have the chance to purchase a ticket with 10% Discount off the General Admission Match Ticket Price.

* As a result of staff shortages, supporters are urged to buy their match tickets online, which are available up to 1pm tomorrow, but tickets will be available from the North Stand Turnstile Access Windows up to kick-off. Fans are recommended not to leave purchasing until the last minute.

* Please ensure you use your Fan ID when logging in to the club’s ticketing platform.

Please Note: When purchasing, please be aware that 'Reservations' takes you to your Season Ticket Reservation and 'Buy' takes you to the stadium plan.

Contact Information/Ticket Office Opening Hours

Ticket Office Counters (located at Pride Park Stadium with parking available in the West Stand car park)

Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Ticket Office Phone Lines (by calling 0871 472 1884 - Calls cost 13p per minute, plus your phone company's access charge)

Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Ticket Office Email Helpdesk (by emailing [email protected])

Saturday: 9am-3pm
Sunday: Closed

Click here for Home Ticket FAQS

SUPPORTER INFORMATION…

Tickets

* Ticket sales end at 1pm on the day of the game online on dcfc.co.uk.

* As a result of staff shortages, supporters are urged to buy their match tickets online, which are available up to 1pm tomorrow, but tickets will be available from the North Stand Turnstile Access Windows up to kick-off. Fans are recommended not to leave purchasing until the last minute.

* Season Ticket Holders are required to process their individual match ticket in advance of the fixture, either online or in person at the Ticket Office on Friday (open 10am-4pm). Supporters should not turn up without a ticket on the day.

* The Ticket Office counters and phone lines are closed on matchday but the email helpdesk, [email protected] is open between 9am-3pm.

* Season Ticket cards are NOT valid for this game.

* Match tickets that have been sent via the ‘Print at Home’ & Mobile ticket delivery methods have been sent to the email address we have registered to your Fan ID (please check your junk/spam folders) so please ensure that your details are up to date on dcfc.co.uk.

* If you have NOT received your e-ticket please contact the Ticket Office on [email protected] before the day of the game, in order to avoid unnecessarily queuing at the Access Issue windows.

* Supporters that selected the 'Print at Home' delivery option must print their tickets prior to arriving at the stadium on white A4 paper, using black ink only.

* There will be no facility for collecting tickets for home supporters on a matchday at this time.

* It is also possible for supporters that selected the Mobile Ticket delivery option to scan their match ticket on a smartphone device.

* Supporters that had a match ticket posted to their home address, or purchased from the Ticket Office, are advised to scan the ticket at the turnstiles as normal.

* There is no option to upgrade nor downgrade tickets on the day of the game, therefore please make sure you have obtained/purchased the correct age category.

* In line with NHS Test & Trace guidelines, when applying for a ticket, supporters must ensure their personal and contact details are correct and must provide their current telephone number.

* Supporters with any match ticket related enquiries prior to the day of the game are advised to visit the Ticket Office on Friday (open 10am-4pm) or email [email protected]. Disabled supporters with any access enquires are requested to email [email protected].

* Ticketing FAQs for this game can be found here: dcfc.co.uk/page/ticketing-useful-information?k=fe88ed3b36b97f746b0b1dc4af36319a1d64204e

Stadium Access

* The Ticket Access windows, located outside the North Stand, will be open from 1:30pm for supporters having issues gaining entry on their tickets.

* The access issue windows are open to support and help with stadium access issues, as well as selling match tickets.

* The turnstiles will open at 1:30pm and kick-off is at 3pm. Supporters are encouraged to arrive early to avoid unnecessary queues.

* Matchday staff will be available to assist with any queries and direct supporters to their seats. They will be wearing blue tabards and be located around the stadium.

* Bags must be no larger than 45cm x 30cm x 15cm and are subject to search. There is no on-site storage facility for oversized bags. If you have a medical condition that requires you to bring a bag or other equipment, please email [email protected].

Disabled Supporters

* Disabled supporters who have claimed a complimentary Personal Assistant Ticket will also be required to email [email protected] with the full contact details of their Personal Assistant (full name, address, telephone number) as entry into the stadium will not be permitted until this information has been provided.

Code Of Conduct

* Derby County's COVID-19 Supporters Code of Conduct can be found here: dcfc.co.uk/page/covid-19-supporters-co...

Car Parking

* Car Parking is now SOLD OUT for this fixture to seasonal parking pass holders (Car Park A and Car Park B, which is located directly behind the South Stand). Supporters must display their 2021/22 seasonal parking hanger on arrival. Supporters will not be able to purchase stadium car parking on the day of the game. Supporters that require Accessible Parking are advised to email [email protected] prior to the match.

Supporter Safety

* In the interest of our supporters' safety, we are advising fans to wear a face covering or face visor (covering both their nose and mouth) in the concourses and toilet areas, unless they are consuming refreshments, medically exempt or under the age of 12.

* Although wearing a mask is no longer mandatory, please consider others around you. Please also continue to use the hand sanitising stations around Pride Park Stadium and try and avoid close contact with others where possible. Finally, please always follow the guidance of Stewards.

Refreshments

* A limited menu will be served from the concourse kiosks, including pies, hot dogs, drinks and confectionary. This includes a limited range of hot and cold food plus draught alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages.

* Pride Park Stadium is now a cashless venue, debit/credit cards (excluding AMEX) and contactless payment are accepted.

The Yard

* The Yard at Pride Park Stadium will be open from 1pm until kick-off and after the final whistle until 7pm. A Bar Menu will be available to supporters on first-come, first-served basis.

DCFCMegastore

* The DCFCMegastore will be open from 9am until 6pm, stocking the new 2021/22 Derby County home, away and third kits, trainingwear and many other products. The DCFCMegastore’s ‘Ministore’ outside the stadium will be open from 12pm until kick-off and then after the final whistle.

Matchday Betting

* Supporters wishing to place a matchday bet can do so using club partner Unibet's fast and secure betting App easily from their mobile, as well as at the Unibet stations in the concourse areas.

Download from the Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/unibet-pro/id4633353...

Download for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com....

Please Note: 18+ only. begambleaware.org.

Other Information

* For any more information please see the FAQ section on dcfc.co.uk, or simply click here.

TEAM NEWS…

Derby defender Phil Jagielka is a doubt after he missed Wednesday evening's 1-0 home win over Reading with a minor muscle injury. He will have his fitness assessed but if he is not available, Richard Stearman is likely to keep his place at the heart of the defence.

Striker Sam Baldock was replaced at half-time against Reading with muscle tightness and, like Jagielka, he will have his fitness monitored. Jack Stretton, who came off the bench to replace Baldock, could make his first league start after producing a lively display in the second half against the Royals.

Goalkeeper Kelle Roos is back after suspension, following his red card in the 1-0 loss at Sheffield United last weekend. Second-choice Ryan Allsop produced an impressive display against Reading in midweek, so manager Wayne Rooney has a decision to make when it comes to who starts between the posts.

Striker Colin Kazim-Richards remains out of action with an achilles injury sustained against Peterborough United in August.

Polish international midfielder Krystian Bielik, who suffered an ACL knee injury in January of this year, is making good progress in his rehabilitation work but is still not yet in a position to return to full training.

COACHING STAFF'S THOUGHTS…

Assistant Manager Liam Rosenior offered his pre-match views to RamsTV on Friday afternoon and he said:

“We one million per cent have a sense of responsibility and the manager has been outstanding in that regard.

“The message we give to the players is to ‘show who you are’. It is easy when things are going well to put a smile on your face and go out and play, but when things are tough you have to show your character and resilience.

“It is a true test of who you are. I cannot be any prouder of the players in how they’ve represented the club, while everyone around the place on the staff are supporting myself and the manager so we can do our jobs.

“It is a difficult time but in a strange way it is something I am quite proud to be a part of. I know in the future I will look back on this time and be proud of the people I have worked with.

“The most important thing is that we represent the club in the right way. Derby County will always continue and the fans are the most important and biggest part and we just want to make them proud, week in week out.

“The situation has brought us all closer together, every single member of staff, and the supporters have been magnificent.

“I think it is showing on the pitch how together everyone is and I hope we can enable that to continue. Out of a difficult and troubling time for the club, something special can develop after that.”

He added: “I’d be lying if I were to say it hasn’t been a difficult time and seeing people you work with scared to lose their jobs does put things into perspective.

“What I will say about football, and not just this club but throughout the world, is that it lifts people and everyone working at this football club have done it proud.”

FROM THE DRESSING ROOM…

Midfielder Jason Knight spoke to RamsTV on Friday after training and believes the Rams are on the right track to make Pride Park Stadium a fortress.

He said: “We managed to get a positive result on Wednesday and it was a great night all round too as I was back in the starting line-up.

“The fans were excellent as well, so it was nice to pick up another three points at Pride Park.

“It is important for us to make our home ground a fortress and that’s down to the players, and the fans well, to make that happen.”

He added: “It is important we focus on ourselves as a first-team squad and try to put results on the board despite everything that’s going on.

“We want to get good results for the fans and the club and that is what we will strive to do.”

MATCH OFFICIALS…

Andrew Madley will oversee Saturday's game at Pride Park.

Madley has overseen five games so far this season in all competitions, showing nine yellow cards and no reds in the process.

The Premier League official last took charge of a game involving Derby in February 2019, when the Rams were held to a 1-1 draw at Ipswich Town under Frank Lampard.

Madley will be assisted by Scott Ledger and Richard Wild on the lines, whilst Sam Allison has been appointed as the fourth official.

EFL SUBSTITUTE RULES…

The five substitutions rule has been scrapped for the 2021/22 season, the English Football League confirmed in July.

The rule allowing clubs to make five changes, as opposed to the usual three, was brought in following football's restart in June 2020 after a break due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Given that games had to be condensed into a short period of time it was thought beneficial and allowed managers to make as many as five changes in three intervals during a match.

Clubs had a longer post-break between seasons this time around and so the temporary rule has been changed.

Teams will be able to name seven substitutes but only use a maximum of three.

STREAMING INFORMATION…

With COVID-19 capacity restrictions lifted and EFL fixtures being played in front of full crowds once again, the temporary change in streaming rules is no longer valid.

If you can't make the game in person, other options to catch up with the action on the pitch – including live TV, live radio, streaming of selected matches alongside highlights on TV and online of every Sky Bet EFL game.

LIVE TV (DOMESTIC)

In the UK, Sky Sports will show 138 Sky Bet EFL matches, 15 Carabao Cup ties and the Semi Finals and Final of the Papa John’s Trophy.

In the case of Weekend Fixtures, the EFL’s designated kick-off times* for Sky Live Matches are usually scheduled as follows:

* Friday evenings at 7:45pm or 8pm

* Saturdays at 12:30pm; Sundays at 12-noon

Within the Sky contract there are other kick-off times that are available to the broadcaster

In the case of scheduled Midweek Matches, live Sky fixtures will be between 7:30pm and 8pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

RADIO

TalkSPORT offer exclusive live commentaries on national radio across the Sky Bet EFL as well as non-exclusive rights to the Carabao Cup that are shared by the BBC.Both TalkSPORT and the BBC have the ability to broadcast score flash updates across all competitions.BBC Local Radio also have individual commentary deals with selected EFL clubs.

LIVE TV (INTERNATIONAL)

Any match shown live on Sky Sports in the UK is made available overseas via the League’s international broadcast partners.As well as this fixture, a minimum of 36 Championship fixtures taking place on Saturdays at 3pm, will be distributed for international coverage, alongside selected League One and Two fixtures, Carabao Cup ties, and action from across the Sky Bet Play-Offs.

A full list of the EFL’s international broadcast partners are available here:efl.com/iFollow/international-broadcasters/

HIGHLIGHTS

In the UK, Quest will continue to be the home for all highlights of matches in the Sky Bet EFL, Carabao Cup and Papa John’s Trophy, with action from a full weekend schedule of matches broadcast at 9pm on Saturdays, and midweek League highlights and Carabao Cup midweek highlights also screened on applicable weeknights. Internationally, a number of the EFL’s broadcast partners show repeat transmissions and highlights.

STREAMING

In respect of domestic streaming, the EFL will return to the position as was prior to the pandemic when the live broadcast or streaming of any match in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is prohibited between the hours of 2:45pm-5:15pm on Saturday afternoons.

EFL clubs will have the right to live-stream midweek matches on iFollow or Club equivalent service, with Sky Sports also able to stream the same Championship fixtures to subscribers across their Red Button interactive and digital services.

The position in each Sky Bet EFL division is as follows:

CHAMPIONSHIP - DOMESTIC

* All scheduled midweek matches (unless selected as one of Sky Sports Exclusive midweek selections)

* Displaced weekend matches – matches which are moved from Saturday 3pm kick-offs for non-TV purposes (at the discretion of the Home club)

* Bank Holiday matches (at the discretion of the Home club)

CHAMPIONSHIP - INTERNATIONAL

Overseas supporters can watch live all EFL Championship league games provided that they have not been selected for international television broadcast in a territory that has an overseas broadcast partner