Derby v Cardiff City: hosts seek first points, visitors build on opening draw | OneFootball

Derby County host Cardiff City in the Championship on Saturday, 22 August 2026 at Pride Park Stadium, with the hosts aiming to respond to an opening day defeat and the visitors looking to back up their draw.

Cardiff City have had the recent edge in this fixture, winning six of the last 12 meetings, with Derby County taking three and three draws. The visitors sit 14th on one point, while the hosts are 17th after their loss.

Derby fell 2-1 at Charlton Athletic, while Cardiff City opened with a 1-1 draw against Wrexham. The visitors' tune-up included a 4-1 win over Roma, hinting at momentum carried into the campaign.

Injuries bite on both sides. Derby County are without Sam Szmodics, Matthew Clarke, Derry Murkin and Patrick Agyemang. Cardiff City list Calum Chambers, Gabe Osho, William Thomas Fish and Dylan Lawlor as injured.

Cardiff City posted 67% possession with 88.07% pass accuracy and delivered 27 open play crosses on matchday one, so they could again look to control the ball and use width. Derby had 55% possession and 21 crosses, and may seek supply into Carlton Morris, who registered an assist, while Rubin Colwill carries the visitors' early goal threat.

A home win would move the Rams to three points and lift them up the standings. A Cardiff City victory would take them to four and could push them higher in the early table. Derby then host Swansea City, while Cardiff City face Sheffield United.