Match Preview | Derby County vs. Cardiff City
The Bluebirds return to Sky Bet Championship action on Saturday afternoon, facing Derby County at Pride Park.
The fixture will take place on Saturday, September 14th, with a kick-off time of 3pm.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | IN THE DUGOUT
Derby County’s manager is Paul Warne, who was appointed in September 2022.
During his playing career, Warne operated as a midfielder and spent most of his career at Rotherham United, making over 250 league appearances for the Millers.
Switching to management after his career, he took over in a caretaker role at Rotherham in November 2016, following the departure of Kenny Jackett, before being appointed on a permanent basis in the following January.
During his time as manager of the Millers, the side secured promotion from League One to the Championship on three occasions, as well as winning the EFL Trophy.
Last season, Warne led Derby County back to the second tier, finishing second in League One.
In his 105 games in charge of the club, he has 55 victories, a win percentage of 52.38%.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | SEASON SO FAR
Saturday’s opponents currently sit 10th in the Sky Bet Championship table, having recorded six points from their opening four matches.
Beginning their season with a 4-2 defeat to Blackburn Rovers, the side bounced back impressively with a 1-0 win over Middlesbrough.
A 2-1 defeat to Watford followed, before going into the international break on the back of a 3-0 win over Bristol City.
In their win over the Robins, Kenzo Goudmijn, Kayden Jackson and David Ozoh all got on the scoresheet.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | KEY PLAYER
Summer recruit Jackson has been a positive acquisition for the Rams so far this season.
Having previously represented Ipswich Town, the striker played 29 games in the Sky Bet Championship last season, as the club secured promotion to the Premier League.
He netted on three occasions in the league last term, a tally he has almost matched already this campaign.
Jackson scored the winning goal in their 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough, as well as getting on the scoresheet against Bristol City last time out. He also found the net in a 2-1 win over Chesterfield in the Carabao Cup.
FAMILIAR FACES | CLUB CONNECTIONS
This weekend’s fixture could see City line-up against no less than six former Bluebirds.
Over the summer, the Rams made the acquisition of midfielder Ebou Adams on a permanent basis, following his successful loan last season.
The side have also brought in centre-back Nathaniel Phillips, who spent last term in the Welsh capital.
On their way to promotion in the 2023/24 season, former City trio Curtis Nelson, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and James Collins all played integral roles.
Winger Mendez-Laing was nominated for the League One Player of the Season at the end of last campaign.
Following his departure from the Bluebirds, goalkeeper Rohan Luthra has also joined Derby County.