Pre-season is done and dusted, and Derby County’s focus is now on their EFL curtain-raiser at the Madejski Stadium on Friday evening.
Frank Lampard prepares to make his competitive bow as a manager against Paul Clement’s side (kick-off: 8pm), dcfc.co.uk has gathered all the information you need ahead of the clash with the Royals…
WHAT’S THE LATEST TEAM NEWS
Frank Lampard will have some tough decisions to make ahead of his first game in charge as a manager.
The Rams’ manager will have a near fully fit squad to call upon when they make the journey down to Berkshire.
Tom Huddlestone is struggling with a groin problem, but has not been ruled out of the trip to the Madejski Stadium.
Marcus Olsson and Ikechi Anya, however, have been ruled out of the season-opener.
WHAT WAS SAID AHEAD OF THE TRIP TO READING?
Speaking to RamsTV ahead of the clash with Reading, Frank Lampard said: “I’m very excited. This is what we’re here for and this is what I took the job on for.
“We have worked very hard – day in, day out – but these games are the exciting part for all of us. I certainly feel that as my first competitive game as a manager.
“It reminds me of the feelings I used to get as a player. I can’t wait. We have prepared as well as we could do, we’re focused on what we want to do and we’re looking forward to Friday night.”
ONE TO WATCH
Liam Kelly made his debut as a substitute in the EFL Cup in August 2016, when he came on for current Derby midfielder George Evans, and he has made quite the impact since then.
The 22-year-old midfielder has made a habit of spectacular long-range strikes, and it was the Rams that were hit hard Kelly’s talents during a 3-3 draw at the Madejski Stadium in February.
Already capped at Under-21 level by the Republic of Ireland, further strong form this term will surely result in a first senior call-up for Kelly.
HOW I CAN SECURE MY SEAT
Derby County supporters who are yet to purchase their ticket for tonight’s season-opener will be able to pay on arrival at the Madejski Stadium.
The Rams take on Reading to face Paul Clement’s Royals this evening, kick-off: 8pm, in what will be Frank Lampard’s first competitive game as a manager.
After selling out the initial allocation of 1,613 tickets, the club was provided with a further 587 tickets for tonight’s fixture – meaning limited seating is still available to Rams fans.
Tickets will be available from the following prices:
Adults £25
Senior Citizens (65+) £16
Ages 18-24 £13
Under-18s £8
Under-13s £7
Supporters will be able to claim their ticket from 3pm by calling Reading’s Ticket Office on 0118 968 1313. Tickets will also be available to purchase on the night from the South Stand Ticket Office between gates 9-10 from 6:30pm (cash and card payments will be accepted).
WHAT HAPPENED LAST TIME AT THE MADEJSKI?
READING 3-3 DERBY COUNTY
Saturday 24th February, 2018
Ten-man Derby County were held to a thrilling 3-3 draw by Reading when these two sides last met at the Madejski Stadium back in February.
Kasey Palmer and Richard Keogh both scored for the Rams in the first half, with Tom Lawrence adding a third seconds after the break.
They were, however, forced to settle for a point after Liam Kelly, Modou Barrow and Jón Daði Böðvarsson all netted for the Royals.
Reading: Mannone; Gunter, Moore, Illori, Richards; Bacuna, Kelly (McCleary, 81), Clement (Swift, 70’); Aluko, Böðvarsson, Barrow (Edwards, 90’)
Substitutes not used: Jaakkola, van den Berg, Blackett, Smith
Derby County: Carson; Baird, Keogh, Davies, Olsson; Huddlestone, Ledley; Weimann, Palmer (Johnson, 77’), Lawrence (Wisdom, 88’); Jerome (Nugent, 81’)
Substitutes not used: Roos, Pearce, Thorne, Anya
WHO’S THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE?
Robert Jones will be the man in the middle when Frank Lampard’s travel to Berkshire to take on Reading in their 2018/19 season opener.
Simpson officiated 45 games last season across the EFL – brandishing 132 yellow and red cards over the course of the campaign.
He was also the man in the middle for the Sky Bet League 1 Play-Off Final meeting between Rotherham United and Shrewsbury Town.
He did not take charge of game involving Derby during the 2017/18 season.
Jones will be assisted by Nigel Lugg and Michael George on the lines, whilst Stephen Martin has been appointed as the fourth official.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE ACTION
As this fixture has been selected for live TV coverage and due to international broadcasting rights, RamsTV will only be able to broadcast the match live in select countries, although a live audio stream of the game will also be available. Please click here for more information.
Here’s a full rundown of what’s coming up on RamsTV:
ONLINE NOW
- Pre-Match Interviews – RamsTV sits down with both Frank Lampard and Richard Keogh as they look ahead to a new Championship season and the opening clash against Reading.
THURSDAY
- The Preview Show: Reading (6pm) – Available on dcfc.co.uk, the Derby County App and YouTube, RamsTV’s Preview Show is back for the 2018/19 season. Featuring special guests and expert analysis, match action, stats and exclusive interviews. The Preview Show delivers the most comprehensive match build-up any Rams fan could wish for.
FRIDAY
- Matchday Live: Reading (7.30pm) – Owen Bradley will be live in the RamsTV studio with Kevin Wilson and Shaun Barker as they look ahead to kick-off at 8pm. The pre-match show is free to watch through dcfc.co.uk and the Derby County app.
- Due to international broadcasting rights, RamsTV will be streaming the game live only in select countries, click here for more information, RamsTV subscribers will be able to listen to audio coverage of the game and also watch extended highlights and a replay of the full 90 minutes the following day.
SATURDAY
- Match Highlights: Reading (12pm) – Relive all the goals, key moments and incidents for the big game at the Madejski the night before.
- Matchday Relived: Reading (6pm) – RamsTV subscribers can watch the entirety of the Matchday Live production from the night before, including pre-match build-up, the full 90 minutes of match action along with half and full-time analysis.
MONDAY
- The Review Show: Reading (6pm) – Back again for the 2018/19 season, The Review Show provides the best analysis of Derby County’s games and features studio discussion, match clips, post-match interviews and key stats.
Full details of RamsTV streaming options can be found here.
