Derby County at Pride Park

Derby County hosts Coventry City in the 2025/26 Championship season home opener at Pride Park with a rotated lineup under John Eustace.

Derby County Faces Coventry City at Pride Park

Derby County manager John Eustace has rotated the squad for the home league match against Coventry City, naming eight changes from the Carabao Cup win over West Brom. The Rams earned the cup victory on penalties after Joe Ward's late free kick, and now the focus shifts to league action. David Ozoh returns to the starting XI on loan from Crystal Palace for his first league appearance since rejoining the club. Carlton Morris leads the line after opening his Derby account on the opening day against Stoke.

Coventry City start with Rushworth in goal, Van Ewijk, Thomas and Kitching as captain in the back line, with Dasilva, Grimes, Torp and Rudoni in midfield and Wright, Thomas-Asante and Mason-Clark in attack.

Eight changes signal a plan to keep legs fresh and lines sharp after a midweek cup tie. Derby is betting on pace and direct play with Ozoh and Morris through the middle, testing Coventry with speed and movement. The home opener is a chance to prove the squad's depth, but it also carries risk if early combinations struggle for balance.

Coventry's selections show a measured approach to a busy start to the season. If Kitching's leadership holds and Rudoni can link play with Wright, the Sky Blues may frustrate Derby and build from the back. This match could reveal how far both teams have progressed and set an early tone for the season's narrative.

Highlights

A testing afternoon at Pride Park will reveal how quickly Derby can gel and how Coventry adapts to a busy schedule.