Match Pack: Saints vs Derby County
Southampton return to St Mary's Stadium and will be looking to build on Tuesday night's win over Wrexham. Get clued up as the promotion race continues with our Match Pack...
THE MATCH
Southampton vs Derby County
Sky Bet Championship
St Mary’s Stadium
Saturday 11th April, 3pm BST
THE OFFICIALS
Referee: Andrew Kitchen
Assistants: Shaun Hudson and George Byrne
Fourth Official: Josh Smith
THE KITS
Saints will be in their traditional home colours of red-and-white-striped shirts, black shorts and white socks. The visitors will be in their third kit of blue shirts, white shorts and blue socks.
TICKETS
Saturday's encounter is on general sale to supporters. This match is a Category B fixture, and adult tickets start from £25.
LIVE COVERAGE
Saints Play match passes are available to supporters outside of the UK.
THE PROGRAMME
The matchday programme is available to order online, as well as from the various sellers around St Mary’s.
This double edition covers both Saturday’s home game against Derby and Tuesday’s visit of Blackburn to St Mary’s – that’s two in one for the usual price of £4.
Inside you’ll find skipper Jack Stephens tackle our A-Z of Football feature, while there’s also Tonda Eckert’s notes, the latest from our Women’s and Academy teams, and coverage of both visiting sides.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
Saints entered the play-offs once again after a ruthless 5-1 win during Tuesday night's trip to Wrexham.
Now 16 unbeaten in all competitions, Tonda Eckert's side will be looking to continue this run of form as they chase promotion, with the potential to climb up to fifth if results elsewhere go their way.
The Rams are also battling for a spot in the play-offs, sitting three points away from 6th. The visitors are coming into Saturday's fixture off the back of a 2-0 win over Stoke City on Easter Monday.
TEAM NEWS
Saints: Tonda Eckerthas provided an encouraging update on the status of the Saints squad with 'everyone looking focused and sharp' ahead of the visit of Derby County.
Derby County: Derby were dealt a significant setback in their victory over Stoke, with Patrick Agyemang ruled out for the remainder of the campaign after suffering an Achilles injury.
Goalkeeping concerns persist for the Rams too, as both Jacob Zetterstrom and Josh Vickers remain sidelined through injury.
THE MANAGERS
Tonda Eckert: "It’s a massive game tomorrow. I think [Derby] have changed a bit in January when they went from a back three to a back four. They have one of the best strikers in the league. A very good team.
"We just need to carry on being humble. Humility is a good quality to have in life. We just need to focus on the rest of the season. We are ready to go."
John Eustace: "Southampton have got a lot of quality in their squad, with players who have both Championship and Premier League experience, so we know it’s going to be a really tough test.
"We expect them to come here, dominate the ball and show what a good footballing side they are, so we’ll need to be organised, disciplined and ready to compete."
ONES TO WATCH
Shea Charles: Shea Charles has emerged as a key figure for the Saints this season, offering composure and control in midfield. Having made 25 appearances so far this season, the 22-year-old has been integral to the team so far this season.
Carlton Morris: Carlton Morris will be one to watch for Derby County, with the striker providing a consistent goal threat and physical presence up front. Morris has netted 11 goals this season, highlighting his efficiency in front of goal, while his hold-up play and aerial ability make him a key focal point in Derby’s attack.
TOP SCORERS
Saints
Goals:
Azaz 11
Stewart 8
Manning, Scienza, Matsuki 6
Assists:
Scienza 8
Azaz, Fellows 7
Manning 4
Derby County
Goals:
Morris 11
Agyemang 10
Brereton Díaz 8
Assists:
Ward 9
Elder 6
Clark, Agyemang 4
FORM GUIDE
Saints
Wrexham (a) SBC: W 1-5 (Matsuki, Downes, Larin, Stewart, Azaz)
Arsenal (h) FAC: W 2-1 (Stewart, Charles)
Oxford United (h) SBC: W 2-0 (Larin, Charles)
Norwich (h) SBC: W 1-0 (Azaz)
Coventry (a) SBC: W 1-2 (Downes, Matsuki)
Derby County
Stoke City (h) SBC: W 2-0 (Banel, Morris)
Coventry City (a) SBC: L 3-2 (Brereton Díaz 2)
Birmingham (h) SBC: W 1-0 (Brewster)
Portsmouth (a) SBC: W 0-1 (Szmodics)
Millwall (a) SBC: L 1-0
HEAD TO HEAD
Played: 73
Saints wins: 20
Draws: 25
Derby wins: 28
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
Oct 2025: Derby County 1-1 Saints Championship (Armstrong)
Jan 2019: Saints 2-2 Derby County (3-5 on pens)FA Cup (Armstrong, Redmond)
Jan 2019: Derby County 2-2 Saints FA Cup (Redmond 2)
Jul 2018: Derby County 3-0 Saints FriendliesFeb 2012: Saints 4-0 Derby County Championship (Hooiveld, Martin, Lallana, Lee)
KEEP UP TO DATE
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