Derby County will be determined to give their supporters something to shout about on Saturday when they host Oxford United at Pride Park in League One.

Relegated from the Championship earlier this year, the Rams have overhauled their squad ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

Following a successful takeover deal involving businessman David Clowes, Derby have managed to secure the services of 11 players in the current transfer window.

The Rams have also recently waved goodbye to the likes of Tom Lawrence, Ravel Morrison and Lee Buchanan.

As for Oxford, they have also engaged in some transfer activity this summer.

The U's will be able to turn to Ciaron Brown, Stuart Findlay, Edward McGinty and Yanic Wildschut for inspiration this weekend after signing this quartet on permanent deals.

When you consider that both sides will be aiming to secure a top-six finish in League One in the upcoming campaign, this could potentially turn out to be an enthralling affair.

Ahead of this showdown, Carlton Palmer has predicted that Derby will secure a 2-0 victory over Oxford.

Speaking to Football League World, Palmer said: "Oxford just over the years, if you look at history, struggle on the opening day of the season.

"They very rarely win on the opening day of the season.

"So I'm going to go for Derby to win at home, maybe 2-0."

The Verdict

Palmer does make a valid point about Oxford's struggles when it comes to the start of seasons as they have only won one of their last five opening league fixtures.

Whereas it may take Derby's players some time to develop an understanding with each other, they have more than enough quality at their disposal to cause issues for Karl Robinson's side.

If he is selected to feature for the Rams in this particular clash, James Collins will fancy his chances of helping the club secure all three points by marking his competitive debut with a goal at Pride Park.

During his career to date, the Republic of Ireland international has managed to find the back of the net on 45 occasions at this level whilst he has also chipped in with six assists in 112 appearances.