Derby County Under-18s play host to Liverpool on Saturday afternoon as they look to return to winning ways in the Premier League – North at Moor Farm (12pm kick-off).
The Young Rams will be desperate to right the wrongs of last weekend as they were narrowly beaten 1-0 by league leaders Manchester City away from home.
Derby were able to pick up a win in midweek as they advanced to the FA Youth Cup Fourth Round thanks to Eiran Cashin’s early winner in their 1-0 success against Everton at Pride Park on Wednesday evening.
The defeat at the Manchester City Academy Stadium ended a great run of form for Justin Walker’s side as they had lost just one of their 10 matches beforehand, a run which had rectified a slow start to the season.
Derby are currently seventh in the table with five wins and five losses from their first 10 games and have the opportunity to move into fifth with victory on Saturday.
THE OPPOSITION…
Liverpool have had enjoyed a great campaign so far as they find themselves second in the table with just a five-point gap between them and Man City who have played an extra match.
Their form in recent weeks has suffered though as they have just two wins in their last five in all competitions and they were dumped out of the FA Youth Cup last time out as Tottenham ran out 4-2 winners.
Derby’s record against the Reds was impeccable last season as they managed two victories in both of their encounters. Morgan Whittaker was the hero in the most recent clash as he scored two late goals to inspire his side to a 3-1 win at Moor Farm.
ONE TO WATCH…
Jaden Charles has been enjoying a purple patch over the last few weeks and has been one of the most consistent players in his side’s brilliant run of form.
The full-back has been an ever present for Justin Walker so far this term and has been a big part of the division’s second best defence.
His impact at the other end has not gone unnoticed either as the 17-year-old has chipped in with two goals and a handful of assists already.
He will have to be at the top of his game on Saturday to stop the attacking threat of Liverpool, the side with the most goals in the league.
Words by: Ed Mackey.