Derby County Under-18s will be looking to return to the top of the Premier League-North table when they host current league leaders Liverpool on Saturday afternoon, kick-off 12pm.
The visitors to the Derby County Training Centre sit three points ahead of Derby after two wins last week, but the Rams know that they can reach the summit again if they win by three goals or more this weekend.
Justin Walker’s side also have a game in hand on their opponents in what could be an intriguing end to the season for his players.
Speaking to dcfc.co.uk after the recent win over Middlesbrough, Walker said: “Within the club there’s a winning culture and an attitude towards trying to win every game that is played.
“The first-team have that, the Under-23s are doing the same, and every team that goes out in a Derby County shirt is trying to win a game of football.
“If that means you end up somewhere in the mix in terms of competing in your league then fantastic, but I think the most important thing is that we’ve got players who are developing, progressing and preparing for the wider game and being ready to step into someone’s first-team.”
Last time out, a sixth consecutive league victory for the Rams came as they faced Newcastle United.
Morgan Whittaker’s brace proved enough to overcome the Magpies by a scoreline of 2-1 and move his side onto 35 points from 15 games.
The first fixture against Liverpool was also won by the same score back in November, with goals coming from Whittaker and midfielder Jason Knight.
Whilst the talented Under-18s attack have been important to the success seen this season, their defence continues to be vitally important to the recent run of results.
Just 20 goals have been conceded so far by the Rams and that is the joint-best defensive record in the Premier League-North division.