Derby County vs Wrexham AFC Preview

Wrexham AFC travel to Pride Park on Saturday afternoon to face Derby County, with Phil Parkinson's side aiming to secure back-to-back Championship victories for the first time this season.

The Reds return from the three-week international break sitting 14th in the Championship table, having collected ten points from their opening eight matches. Their opponents, Derby County, sit 22nd with five points and just one league win.

Wrexham enter the fixture following their 2-1 victory over Southampton at the STōK Cae Ras on September 19. Kieffer Moore was among the goalscorers as Parkinson's side responded positively to their heavy defeat against West Ham United.

Derby, meanwhile, have struggled for consistency under John Eustace. The Rams have suffered five defeats in eight Championship matches, with their only victory coming away against Portsmouth.

Their most recent outing ended in a 1-1 draw against Burnley, with Mohammed Fuseini scoring a 93rd-minute equaliser to rescue a point at Turf Moor. Derby remain without a home league victory this season.

Parkinson has several injury concerns ahead of the trip to Derbyshire, with Liberato Cacace, Max Cleworth, Nathan Broadhead, George Thomason and Seb Revan dealing with fitness problems.

Kieffer Moore is expected to lead the attack after returning from international duty with Wales, while Josh Windass and Callum O'Hare offer attacking support behind the striker.

Injuries have also disrupted Derby's preparations, particularly in defence. Goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterström remains sidelined, alongside defenders Derry Murkin, Craig Forsyth, Charlie Taylor and Matt Clarke.

The absence of several established defensive options could force Eustace into changes against a Wrexham attack looking to improve its scoring record.

Wrexham enjoyed the better of their two Championship meetings with Derby during the 2025/26 campaign.

The sides drew 1-1 at the STōK Cae Ras in September 2025 before Wrexham secured a 2-1 victory at Pride Park in January 2026, with Sam Smith and Matty James scoring for the visitors.

That result provides a positive recent precedent for Parkinson's side ahead of their return to Derbyshire.

Saturday begins a demanding run of five Championship fixtures for Parkinson's side during October.

Wrexham face West Bromwich Albion at home on Tuesday, October 13, then take on Preston North End on October 17. Away matches against Blackburn Rovers and Sheffield United complete the month's league programme.

A win at Pride Park would take Wrexham to 13 points from nine matches and provide a strong platform ahead of their upcoming home fixtures.