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Derby County confirms lineup for Walsall pre-season match

Derby County has finalized its team ahead of the pre-season game against Walsall this evening.

July 23, 2025 at 03:19 AM

PRE-SEASON TEAM NEWS: Walsall vs Derby County

Derby County has announced its lineup for the upcoming pre-season match against Walsall.

Derby County prepares for pre-season clash with Walsall

Derby County has confirmed its starting line-up for the pre-season match against Walsall at the Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium, kicking off at 7:30 PM. This match marks Derby's third pre-season fixture as they prepare for the 2025/26 Sky Bet Championship season. Manager John Eustace has made three changes from Derby's previous game, where they defeated FC Red Bull Salzburg 2-1. Josh Vickers will start in goal, replacing Richard O’Donnell, who is on the bench. Jacob Widell Zetterström is not participating in the match as Derby intends to rotate their goalkeepers.

Key Takeaways

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Derby County's lineup features significant changes from their last match.

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Josh Vickers starts as goalkeeper, aiming to establish his position ahead of the season.

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Key players like Forsyth and Thompson are returning, increasing team strength.

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Recent signings contribute to the team's evolving dynamics, despite Patrick Agyemang's injury.

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The Rams' effective training in Austria boosts their performance expectations.

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Managing player fitness during pre-season is crucial for team success.

"Eustace's lineup shows a commitment to balance and strategy as Derby preps for the season."

This highlights the manager’s focus on both competition and development during pre-season.

"Maximizing player fitness during this time is absolutely crucial for our success next season."

Eustace emphasizes the importance of pre-season training to build a competitive edge.

The adjustments made by Eustace reflect a careful strategy as the team builds toward the championship season. With notable absences due to injuries and surgeries, the focus now will be on maximizing player fitness and cohesion. Players like Craig Forsyth and Liam Thompson are critical additions, promising to bring experience and vitality to the squad. The connection formed in prior training sessions, particularly during their Austrian camp, may prove invaluable during this showdown with Walsall, a League Two team eager to make a mark against higher-tier opposition.