Derby County’s youngsters are all set for their meeting with Icelandic side IA Akranes in the second round of the UEFA Youth League on Wednesday evening, kick-off: 7pm.
The Under-19s travelled to Reykjavik on Monday to prepare for the first leg meeting between the sides at the Víkingsvöllur Stadium in the country’s capital.
Here is everything you need to know ahead of the game.
KEY DETAILS…
IA Akranes Under-19s Vs. Derby County Under-19s
- UEFA Youth League
- Domestic Champions Path – Second Round
- Wednesday 6th November 2019
- Kick-Off: 7pm
- Víkingsvöllur
SETTING THE SCENE…
Derby County made history last month when they played in the club’s first ever UEFA Youth League game against FC Minsk.
The Rams entered the competition via the Domestic Champions Path after being crowned Under-18s Premier League Champions in the 2018/19 season.
Justin Walker’s side were drawn to play the Belarusian side in the first-round, defeating them 2-0 in away leg before cruising to the next round with a 7-2 victory at Loughborough University Stadium.
Morgan Whittaker was the star man in the opening round with his five goals making him leading goalscorer in the competition at this early stage.
It is set to be an exciting match up in the second round against IA Akranes who defeated Estonian side FC Levadia 16-1 over two legs.
The winner will move on to the play-off stage which will include the second-placed teams from the group stage.
Should the tie end level after two legs, the team which scores more away goals will qualify for the next stage.
If both teams score the same number of goals both home and away over two legs, no extra-time will be played, and a penalty shoot-out will decide who progresses.
HE SAID…
Ahead of the trip, Academy Director Darren Wassall said: “The players are having some unbelievable experiences.
“Akranes won 16-1 on aggregate in the first round so we know they are going to be a tough opponent.
“It is just another chapter in the players' journeys. They won the league last year and they are getting rewarded now by playing in the UEFA Youth League.
“Hopefully we can get to the next level, we are looking to get to round three, but we know it will be difficult.”
He added: “Hopefully it is more of the same of the performance and results that the lads put in over both legs against Minsk.
“We will treat it in the right way, be very professional in our build up and hopefully the players will produce on the night.”
HOW TO FOLLOW THE ACTION…
The full 90 minutes will be streamed live on IA Akranes’ YouTube channel.
Alternatively, you can follow live updates from Reykjavik on Twitter at @DCFCAcademy.