Pride Park Stadium, 6 April 2026 — 3pm Kick-Off
Derby County manager John Eustace has announced the starting eleven for the Easter Monday home fixture against Stoke City. The Rams will aim to bounce back after narrowly missing out in a closely contested match against league leaders Coventry City on Friday.
Team Selection
Eustace has made one change to the side from Friday’s match, with Patrick Agyemang set to start. The midfielder will make his 37th league appearance of the campaign, having come off the bench at the CBS Arena three days ago.
The bench has also been strengthened with the returns of defenders Sondre Langås and Max Johnston, both of whom gained valuable minutes in Friday’s under-21 fixture. Forward Lars-Jørgen Salvesen also returns to the matchday squad, adding attacking options.
Derby County Starting XI:
O’Donnell (GK), Murkin, Clarke, Agyemang, Morris, Ozoh, Ward, Brereton Díaz, Travis (C), Sanderson, Clark.
Substitutes:
J Thompson (GK), Forsyth, Langås, Salvesen, L Thompson, Johnston, Fraulo, Banel, Allen.
Ben Brereton Díaz will lead the line once again after scoring both of Derby’s goals in the previous fixture, bringing his total to eight for the season. The Rams will rely on his experience and finishing ability to challenge Stoke City’s defense.
League Context
Derby County currently sit 8th in the Sky Bet Championship with 60 points from 40 matches. A victory against Stoke City, who are 12th with 54 points, could provide vital momentum as the Rams aim for a push toward the playoff positions.
Match Preview
- Date: Monday, 6 April 2026
- Kick-Off: 3pm
- Venue: Pride Park Stadium
- Competition: Sky Bet Championship
Fans are encouraged to follow live updates via RamsTV or attend the match in person to support Derby County in what promises to be an exciting Easter Monday fixture.
References
- Derby County Football Club, TEAM NEWS: Derby County vs Stoke City, 6 April 2026. https://www.dcfc.co.uk/news
- Sky Sports, Championship Table 2025/26 Season, April 2026. https://www.skysports.com/football/standings
- BBC Sport, Derby County Fixtures & Results, April 2026. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/teams/derby-county/scores-fixtures
