Skip to main content

Pre-Season Preview: Sunderland (H)

PUBLISHED

10:30 8th August 2012

The Rams entertain Premier League side Sunderland at Pride Park this evening (7:45pm), in their penultimate pre-season fixture ahead of the 2012-13 campaign.

Nigel Clough’s men have remained unbeaten in their pre-season schedule since their opening narrow 2-1 defeat to Mansfield Town; picking up victories over Burton Albion and Northampton Town, and a draw with League One side Colchester United last Friday a long the way.

Clough has indicated he will select his strongest possible side against the Black Cats, with the opening fixture of the new season against League 1 side Scunthorpe United in the First Round of the Capital One Cup just six days away.

Derby County Team News

Defensive duo Jake Buxton and John Brayford are suffering with minor knocks and didn't train on Monday or Tuesday, however Clough is hopeful the pair will be available for selection.

Scottish international Craig Bryson also remains doubtful after suffering a slight thigh injury in the side’s 2-2 draw at the Weston Homes Community Stadium last week against Colchester United.

Otherwise, with the exception of long-term absentee Shaun Barker, Derby will have a full squad to choose from.

Sunderland Team News

Former Paris Saint Germain man Stephane Sessegnon (ankle) is rated doubtful ahead of the Black Cats’ trip to Pride Park.

The Beninese front-man picked up the injury in a training session earlier this week and is scheduled to go for a scan.

Ahmed Elmohamady and former Manchester United defender Phil Bardsley also remain major doubts.

Otherwise, Martin O'Neill has a full squad to select from tonight.

Ticket Prices

£12 for Adults

£6 for Concessions

Pre-Season Coverage On Rams Player

Derby County fans can keep up to date with the latest updates and action from all of the Rams' pre-season matches on both dcfc.co.uk and Rams Player this summer.

dcfc.co.uk will provide a match report and reaction from each game, while Rams Player subscribers will be able to view match action from each first-team pre-season match as well being able to watch post-match reaction from the Derby camp.

Regular match updates will be provided to supporters through Derby County's Twitter feed, @dcfcofficial.

    Related Articles