Derby v Swansea City: mid-table rivals eye play-off push | OneFootball

Derby County host Swansea City in the Championship on Saturday, 14 February 2026 at Pride Park Stadium, with both sides looking to edge closer to the play-off picture after recent upturns.

Derby County took the reverse fixture in November with a 2-1 win away, a useful marker in a head-to-head that has swung both ways in recent seasons. Swansea City arrive having won their last two league games, including a 4-0 home victory over Sheffield Wednesday.

Derby have three wins in their past five league matches, including a 5-0 triumph at Bristol City, while Swansea City's run reads three wins, one draw and one defeat across the same span. The visitors' momentum has been built on tidier control, while Derby have shown they can respond after setbacks.

Team news tilts selection choices. Lewis Travis is suspended for the hosts, while Callum Elder, Jacob Zetterström, Dion Sanderson, Sondre Langås and Max Johnston are injured. Swansea City are without Adam Idah and Zeidane Inoussa, with Melker Widell also sidelined.

On the pitch, contrasting styles could shape the game. Swansea City average 55% possession with 80.17% passing accuracy and nine clean sheets, while Derby work with 43% possession and 74.58% accuracy but carry an aerial edge, scoring 12 headed goals. Zan Vipotnik leads the league scoring with 15, and Josh Tymon has seven assists. For Derby, Carlton Morris has 10 league goals, Patrick Agyemang has nine, and Joe Ward has six assists. Derby may look to attack with crosses, while Swansea City could try to control the midfield.

The Rams start 11th on 45 points and a win would take them to 48, which could nudge them into the play-off places. Swansea City are 15th with 42 points and victory would lift them to 45, potentially pushing them towards the top half and keeping their revival on track.