Chesterfield v Rams - Preview

The Rams head to Saltergate on Saturday, to take on League two side Chesterfield, in their latest pre-season friendly, and there`s a trophy at stake, with both sides playing for the Derbyshire FA Centenary Cup.

Nigel Clough believes his side are in good shape ahead of their third outing since summer training began, and having recorded victories against Burton Albion and Arnold Town, Clough is hoping the side can take another important step for their opening Championship game on August 8th.

The Rams boss says he'll be taking his strongest squad possible at the weekend, excluding any injury worries.

'We still have a few players with slight problems and obviously we won't take any unnecessary risks," Clough said.

'However, I want to get the lads as much game time as possible, because it will be important when the big kick off comes against Peterborough.

'I think it's fair to say this will be the toughest opposition we have faced yet and it's another good opportunity for the players to test themselves.

'We are in good shape on the training field at the moment and we want to keep the positive momentum going," he added.

Rams' new £1m signing Shaun Barker will make his club debut against Chesterfield. The 26-year-old, who left Rotherham United on a free transfer in 2006, has since been a regular at the heart of Blackpool's defence, helping them to promotion to the Championship via the play-offs in 2007. He has signed a three-year deal at Pride Park

The last visit to Saltergate in the league for the Rams was in season 1985-86, when Kevin Randall`s side ran out 1-0 winners in the third division clash. Tickets are available for Saturday`s game - aPrices below

Chesterfield vs Derby County
Saturday July 18th, kick off 3pm at Saltergate

Ticket:
Seats - Adults - £12
Over 65's - £6
15 to 18 years - £6
14 years and under - £3

Standing - Adults - £10
Over 65's - £5
15 to 18 years - £5
14 years and under - £3

It`s the home side`s first warm-up game on Saturday and new Spireites boss John Sheridan will want to look at as many of his first-team squad as possible in the Derbyshire FA Centenary Cup match. Aaron Downes will be missing as the ex-Owls midfielder prepares a Chesterfield side for the first time.

Three former Chesterfield players appeared in a trial match for Morecambe this week. Midfielder Mark Hudson - who left Rotherham at the end of the season - striker Colin Larkin and defender Stephen Woods turned out for Shrimps, who had another one-time Saltergate man Barry Roche in goal, in a 3-1 defeat against Premier League new-boys Burnley. Larkin scored for the home side.

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