Sat 12 Jul - Posted in Breaking News
Time to read: 2mins
Derby County’s first starting XI of their 2025/26 pre-season programme has been revealed.
Head Coach John Eustace confirmed his team for the Rams’ inaugural pre-season tie against Matlock Town at the Proctor Cars Stadium (1pm kick-off).
Defenders Curtis Nelson, Ryan Nyambe, Sondre Langås, Kane Wilson and Joe Ward, as well as striker Lars-Jørgen Salvesen and summer signing Andi Weimann, are not involved as they continue their rehabilitation work to recover from injuries sustained before the end of last season that required surgery.
Strikers Carlton Morris and Dajaune Brown aren’t risked with slight niggles, while Kemar Roofe and Erik Pieters, who saw their short-term deals with the club come to an end following the conclusion of the 2024/25 season, are involved after spending time training with the squad during pre-season.
A number of youngsters from the club’s Academy are involved in the matchday squad and will get the chance to catch the eye of Eustace and his coaching staff.
Full-back Isaac Gordon will make his starting berth. The 18-year-old was a frequent feature of the Under-21s last season, operating on the right flank.
The Rams’ second summer signing, Danny Batth, will make his first outing in a Derby shirt at centre-back alongside Matt Clarke, who signed a three-year contract with the club ahead of the new season.
Ebou Adams will don the armband and lead the team out of the
tunnel in Matlock.
Derby County: Zetterström (GK), I.Gordon, Batth, Clarke, Elder, Goudmijn, Osborn, Adams (C), Jackson, Blackett-Taylor, Roofe.
Substitutes: Vickers (GK), Evans (GK), Turley, Rooney, Pieters, Forsyth, Hawkins, Thompson, Allen, Wheeldon, T.Gill, Agbawodikeizu, Perry.
