A highly anticipated clash is set to take place at the bet365 Stadium as Stoke City hosts newly-promoted Derby County in the opening round of the 2025/26 Championship season. This match promises to be a strategic battle with a high level of intensity, as both clubs look to get their seasons off to a winning start.
Stoke City, having narrowly avoided relegation last season, will be keen to start the new campaign on a positive note in front of their home crowd. Under manager Mark Robins, the Potters have had a busy summer with a number of new signings and will be looking to their new-look squad to deliver a more stable season. Derby County, meanwhile, returns to the Championship after a successful promotion campaign and will be looking to make an immediate impact in the second tier. Managed by John Eustace, the Rams have also been active in the transfer market, adding a mix of experience and youth to their squad. This clash promises to be a fascinating contest between two teams with different ambitions but a shared desire for a winning start.
Match Details
- Competition: Championship
- Location: Stoke-on-Trent, England
- Stadium: bet365 Stadium
- Date: Saturday, August 9, 2025
- Kick-off Time: 10:00 AM ET / 3:00 PM BST / 4:00 PM CEST
- Referee: Elliot Bell
Head-to-Head & Form Guide
The historical head-to-head record between Stoke City and Derby County shows a closely contested rivalry. Over the last six matches, Derby County holds a slight advantage with three wins to Stoke’s two, along with one draw. However, Stoke City won the last league encounter between the two sides at the bet365 Stadium, a 1-0 victory in November 2024. This history of tight competition suggests a close and hard-fought match is likely, but with Derby having a slight psychological edge from their recent successes against Stoke.
Stoke City:
Stoke City comes into this match after a busy pre-season. The team has shown some promise, with a morale-boosting 1-0 victory over Burnley and a 1-1 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Potters have a number of new faces in their squad, including Sorba Thomas and Róbert Boženík, who will be looking to make an impact. The team will be looking to their new signings to provide the creativity and attacking threat they lacked at times last season.
- August 2, 2025: Stoke City 1–0 Burnley (Club Friendly)
- July 26, 2025: Stoke City 1–1 Wolverhampton Wanderers (Club Friendly)
- July 23, 2025: Crewe Alexandra 1–2 Stoke City (Club Friendly)
Derby County:
Derby County enters the match with a strong pre-season record, winning four of their six friendly matches, including a 2-0 victory over Atromitos. The Rams have a number of key new players in their squad, including Rhian Brewster and Carlton Morris, who will be looking to make an immediate impact in the Championship. Their disciplined tactical approach under manager John Eustace could pose a significant challenge for the Stoke City attack.
- August 2, 2025: Derby County 2–0 Atromitos (Club Friendly)
- July 29, 2025: Solihull Moors 2–4 Derby County (Club Friendly)
- July 22, 2025: Walsall 2–3 Derby County (Club Friendly)
Tactical Analysis & Key Players
This match is expected to be a fascinating contest between two teams with different strengths. Stoke City will likely seek to establish a high tempo from the start, utilizing their home advantage and new attacking options to control possession and create scoring opportunities. Derby County will likely be organized and compact, looking to frustrate Stoke and hit them on the counter-attack. The battle in midfield will be crucial, with both teams looking to win the ball and dictate the tempo. The match is poised to be an open and exciting affair with a high potential for goals.
How to Watch Stoke City vs. Derby County on TV, Live Stream
| Country | TV/Live Stream |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Sky Sports, Sky Sports App, NowTV |
| United States | ESPN+, ESPN App, ESPN+ (English & Spanish) |
| Germany | DAZN, OneFootball |
| Canada | DAZN, FuboTV |
In the United Kingdom, this match may be available to watch and stream online live through Sky Sports and the Sky Sports App. In the United States, the match will be broadcast live on ESPN+ and the ESPN App. For other regions, broadcasting information is not yet confirmed. It is also common for some clubs to provide live streams on their official websites or YouTube channels, so it is worth checking those sources.
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