Derby County have confirmed a pre-season friendly away to Walsall as part of their preparations for the 2025/26 campaign. The Rams will travel to the Poundland Bescot Stadium to face the League Two side on Saturday, July 20th, with a 3pm kick-off scheduled.
This fixture marks another key step in Derby’s summer schedule under head coach Paul Warne, who will be looking to fine-tune his squad ahead of the new League One season. The clash with Walsall offers the Rams a competitive challenge and an opportunity to assess new signings, tactical approaches, and fitness levels in a real-match environment.
Walsall, who narrowly missed out on the League Two play-offs last season, will provide a solid test. Managed by Mat Sadler, the Saddlers are known for their physicality and organised approach—something that could give Warne’s side a taste of the kind of resilience they’ll need to overcome in League One.
For Derby supporters, this trip is a chance to see the team on the road in a relatively local setting. The short journey to Walsall makes it a convenient option for travelling fans eager to get an early look at how the squad is shaping up. With anticipation building for the new campaign, especially following Derby’s strong finish last season, the fixture is likely to draw a healthy away following.
This friendly is expected to be one of several fixtures announced in the coming weeks as part of Derby’s pre-season calendar. Warne and his coaching staff are keen to ensure that the squad hits the ground running in August, and match fitness will be a top priority.
In addition to on-pitch preparations, the Walsall trip may serve as an opportunity for squad rotation, youth development, and integration of any summer recruits. With Warne known for his emphasis on work rate and unity, pre-season matches like this play a vital role in setting the tone for the months ahead.
Ticket details for the fixture will be confirmed shortly by both clubs, with fans advised to keep an eye on official channels for updates.
As the Rams gear up for another promotion push, every minute on the pitch counts — and the visit to Walsall will be an important part of that journey.
