In a change to the norm, Derby County’s opening fixture of the 2012-13 campaign will kick-off with a home encounter in the First Round of the Capital One Cup.
In each of the last three seasons the Rams have fallen at the first hurdle in the competition, going out to League Two opposition.
However, tonight Nigel Clough’s side entertain League One side Scunthorpe United at Pride Park Stadium, ahead of Saturday’s League opener against Championship newcomers Sheffield Wednesday.
Derby County Team News
Summer recruits Michael Hoganson (ankle) and James O’Connor (thigh) will not feature for the Rams, with the former suffering a slight knock in Saturday’s 3-1 friendly defeat to Chesterfield.
Jeff Hendrick’s wrist injury means the midfielder will not be linking up with the Ireland under-21 squad, however Nigel Clough remains confident the 20-year-old midfielder will be fit enough for Saturday’s fixture at home to The Owls.
Fellow central midfielder Craig Bryson resumed full training yesterday after overcoming a groin complaint, and is hopeful of a return to the starting line-up. The Scot is expected to line up alongside 17-year-old Will Hughes in the middle of the park.
Meanwhile, Gareth Roberts has fully recovered from the hamstring injury that kept him out of three of the Rams’ pre-season friendlies, while Shaun Barker (knee) will miss the entire campaign.
Jamie Ward is unavailable for selection, after receiving a call-up to the Northern Ireland squad for their friendly against Finland tomorrow evening.
Summer signings Michael Jacobs, Paul Coutts and Richard Keogh are set to make their first competitive appearances since joining Nigel Clough's men.
Scunthorpe United Team News
Scunthorpe manager Alan Knill has confirmed centre-back Paul Reid will miss tonight’s encounter with a hand injury.
The former Carlisle defender picked up the injury during the side’s pre-season tour of Ireland.
However Knill will have new recruits Tom Newey, Mark Hughes and Jordan Keegan available for selection as well as Niall Canavan, who is back from international duty.
Ticket Information
Tickets for tonight’s encounter are available right up until kick-off and are priced at the following:
Adults £15.00
Seniors (60+) £11.00
Under 18s £8.00
For more information, or to purchase your tickets, please visit the Digonex Ticket Office at Pride Park Stadium, or call 0871 472 1884 (option 1).
The Man In The Middle
Dean Mohareb has been selected by the Football League to take charge of tonight's Capital One Cup tie.
In his last 10 games of the 2011-12 campaign, Mohareb dished out five red cards, including two in the 1-1 draw between MK Dons and Yeovil in March.
He also produced a total of 87 yellow cards throughout the whole of last season.
Fancy A Flutter
Coral, the official betting and gaming partner of
dcfc.co.uk, are offering odds of
8/11 for a home win for Nigel Clough's men tonight.
A draw after 90 minutes is priced at 5/2, and Coral are also offering odds of 4/1 for an away win for the League One side.
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