Head Coach Paul Warne has named a strong Derby County line-up for his side’s final pre-season friendly ahead of the start of the 2023/24 Sky Bet League One campaign in a week’s time.
The Rams will take on Premier League newcomers Sheffield United at Pride Park Stadium in their final run-out before the start of the new season (3pm kick-off).
Summer signing Conor Washington is in the squad for the first time as a substitute after having a full week of training, while out-of-contract former Rams forward Martyn Waghorn is on the bench after Warne confirmed earlier this week that he has been training with the group.
Forward Tom Barkhuizen has recovered from a calf problem and is back in training but has not been risked after only returning to the fold on Thursday.
Left-back Callum Elder (hip) and attacking midfielder Louie Sibley (calf) are not fit enough to be involved in the matchday squad after being sidelined in recent weeks.
Goalkeeper Josh Vickers has a minor muscle injury and is not involved as a precaution so the experienced Scott Loach will act as back-up for Joe Wildsmith.
Sheffield United's side includes striker Will Osula, who spent the first half of last season on loan with the Rams, as well as Derby Academy graduate Max Lowe.
Derby County: Wildsmith (GK), Hourihane (C), Bradley, Cashin, Bird, Collins, Mendez-Laing, Smith, Thompson, Ward, Nelson.
Substitutes: Loach (GK), Wilson, Forsyth, Washington, Robinson, Rooney, Waghorn.
Sheffield United: Foderingham (GK), Baldock, Lowe, Berge, Egan (C), Ahmedhodzic, Robinson, Osborn, Slimane, Ndiaye, Osula.
Substitutes: Davies (GK), Basham, Freckleton, Marsh, Neal, Larouci, Brooks.
