Derby County end the 2025 season with a short trip to Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Monday.
Derby County go into their final game of 2025 looking to maintain their place in the top half of the Championship table. DCFC are eleventh, four points away from the play-offs and a comfortable ten ahead of the bottom three.
The Rams battled their way to a point at Birmingham City on Boxing Day. Patrick Agyemang put them ahead, but after Joe Ward’s red card in the first half, John Eustace’s side did well to hold on for a point after Jack Robinson’s messy equalizer.
County have drawn three of their last four Championship matches and won the others. They hope to end the calendar year with a win as the hectic schedule continues.
As for Leicester City, a 2-1 home defeat to Watford saw them back-to-back losses. They have taken just four points from a possible 12 since beating Derby County at the start of the month.
Team news from Derby County
Like many championship clubs, Derby County are currently struggling with a number of injuries. The hectic holiday schedule has limited some squads, but the Rams have enough depth in most areas to deal with it.
A problem area is the right side. Ward has been suspended for a match after his double booking was sent on Friday Max Johnston is not yet at 100% after a minor setback in training prevented him from making a comeback from a long-term injury against Birmingham City.
Captain Lewis Travis traveled with the team, but was not involved. He has been out for almost three months and will have to be rescheduled.
Carlton Morris and David Ozoh remain absent for a long time. Dion Sanderson returns after failing to qualify for selection against his parent club last time out.
Predicted XI
(3-4-2-1)
Zetterstrom; Sanderson, Bath, Clarke; Langas, Clark, Thompson, elder; Brereton Diaz, Brewster; Agyemang
The busy schedule would have seen Eustace rotate more in an ideal world, but persistent injuries and fitness question marks mean the Derby County side against Leicester City will be largely similar to their previous one.
Expect Sanderson to slot into the back three, but Danny Batth may keep his place if Sondre replaces Langas on the right. While not ideal, he appears to be the best option for DCFC with Ward suspended and a cautious approach needed regarding Johnston.
Sondre Langas’ Derby County starts in position
| Position | Begins |
| Central defender | 24 |
| Right back | 1 |
Ebou Adams performed well from the bench against Birmingham City, but the combination of Liam Thompson and Bobby Clark in midfield was largely successful. However, the Gambian ace will be ready to step in if necessary.
Ben Brereton Diaz’s continued struggle for form has fans calling for other strikers to be given a chance, but his substitution at half-time against the Blues means he should be fit here. Rhian Brewster and goalscorer Agyemang are likely to keep their places against Leicester City.
Andi Weimann, Corey Blackett-Taylor, Kayden Jackson and Lars Jorgen Salvesen will eagerly seize opportunities when they arise.
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