Stevenage prepare for a first-ever visit to Pride Park Stadium to meet Paul Warne’s Derby County in League One…
Boro will be looking to get back to winning ways on Saturday against a tough, high-flying opponent. In midweek, Steve Evans’ side hosted Bristol Rovers at the Lamex Stadium, and despite going two goals in front, they were stunned by the Gas who picked up a 3-2 victory.
The result means Stevenage sit two points outside the play-offs, having played one less game than Oxford United in sixth place. Although Derby County will prove to be tough opposition, Boro are no strangers to defeating the Rams.
This season’s reverse fixture at the Lamex Stadium went in favour of the hosts who earned a thrilling 3-1 victory, through goals from Jordan Roberts, Alex MacDonald and Kane Hemmings.
The Opposition
Derby County have enjoyed a successful campaign so far, as they sit second in the table and will want to remain inside the automatic promotion places come the end of the season.
The Rams have picked up 19 wins from their 32 league games, drawing six and losing seven. They have won three out of their last four games, with the only winless match being a 1-1 draw at home to Shrewsbury Town.
On Tuesday, Derby made the long trip to Exeter City, but reaped their rewards in a 3-0 victory, as Max Bird, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and Tom Barkhuizen grabbed the goals.
The player to watch ahead of Saturday will be former Premier League winger, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing. The 31-year-old has earned a whopping 24 goal contributions from 36 games in all competitions: nine goals and 15 assists.
The Manager
Paul Warne took charge of the Rams in September 2022, but his first season with the club was rather disappointing. Their form towards the end of the season was worrying as Warne led them to their joint lowest league finish in the club history.
This season has been a different story so far, as his side are in a strong position for automatic promotion. Before his Derby spell, he spent six years in charge of Rotherham United, where he made over 250 appearances as a player.
The Stadium
Pride Park Stadium is the 16th largest football stadium In England, with a capacity of 32,956. The ground has been home to Derby County since it opened in 1997, and a record attendance of 33,597 was set in 2001 during an international match between England and Mexico. Away supporters are typically located in the corner between the South and East stands.
Officials
Tom Reeves has been appointed Match Referee for Saturday’s clash, with Michael Webb and Danny Jarvis as Assistants, and Marvyn Amphlett as Fourth Official. Reeves has dished out 81 yellow cards and four reds in 24 games.
---