Derby County Start Season

Derby County kick off the 2025/26 season with a confirmed starting XI against Stoke City.

Derby County Start Season Against Stoke City

Derby County have named their starting lineup for the season opener against Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium. Jacob Widell Zetterström starts in goal, with Forsyth, Batth, Clarke and Morris across the back. The midfield quartet features Blackett-Taylor, L. Thompson, Goudmijn and Jackson, while Nyambe supports captain Ebou Adams. Carlton Morris and Danny Batth will make their competitive Derby debuts, and new signings Dion Sanderson and Bobby Clark are among the substitutes. Andi Weimann and David Ozoh are also in the matchday squad.

Stoke City name Johansson in goal and assemble a mix of experience and youth as they begin their campaign. The Rams will be hoping their new signings can hit the ground running, with Sanderson and Clark on the bench and Weimann and Ozoh included in the squad. The match kicks off at 3pm local time, and Ebou Adams will lead the team from the tunnel as captain.

Derby must balance potential with patience. The inclusion of Morris and Batth on competitive debuts signals trust in fresh energy, while Sanderson and Clark on the bench adds depth for the long season. Weimann and Ozoh form a link to the club’s future, yet they are still settling in. The task is clear translate a busy transfer window into consistent performances from the start.
The test travels to Stoke, where the Rams will face a varied lineup and a difficult environment. If Adams can marshal the midfield and Widell Zetterström can deliver steady control, Derby will have a platform to grow. The early weeks will show whether this blend of youth and experience can become a sustainable core.

Highlights

The season has started and the answers will come from the pitch.