TEAM NEWS: Derby County Vs Middlesbrough

Derby County’s first Sky Bet Championship line-up of 2026 has been confirmed.

The Rams host Middlesbrough at Pride Park Stadium (3pm kick-off), with Head Coach John Eustace making one alteration to the side which faced Leicester City last time out.

Joe Ward returns to the starting line-up after serving his one-match suspension. Ben Brereton Díaz is the man to make way, reverting to the substitutes’ bench.

Bobby Clark is fit to start after a knock to his knee meant the midfielder was withdrawn midway through the second half at King Power Stadium on Monday evening, while Ebou Adams will again captain the side.

Derby County: Zetterström (GK), Clarke, Langås, Agyemang, Brewster, Thompson, Elder, Ward, Sanderson, Adams (C), Clark.

Substitutes: O’Donnell (GK), Forsyth, Batth, Blackett-Taylor, Weimann, Salvesen, Jackson, Brereton Díaz, Travis.

Middlesbrough: Brynn (GK), Brittain, Targett, Hackney (C), Conway, Burgzorg, Whittaker, Ayling, Morris, Sene, Bangura.

Substitutes: McLaughlin (GK), Gilbert, Browne, Hamilton, Nypan, Silvera, Hansen, Kanté, Baptiste.