3/1 To Win
Full back Scott Malone believes Derby County head into Wednesday’s Carabao Cup game against Chelsea full of confidence following the win against Manchester United in the previous round.
The Rams booked their place in the fourth round of the competition following a penalty-shootout victory at Old Trafford after the game ended in a 2-2 draw.
Following a stunning free kick from Harry Wilson and a late Jack Marriott goal, Frank Lampard’s side led 1-2 going into the final seconds of the game, however, they were pegged back in the dying seconds as Marouane Fellaini headed a late equaliser.
Scott Carson would be the penalty hero as he denied Phil Jones from 12-yards to ensure the Rams secured their tie with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
“We went to Old Trafford and won the game there so I’m sure that will be in everyone’s minds and I’m sure the manager won’t want to go back to Chelsea and get a beating, so we are going to take confidence from the United game,” he said.
“We, as players, want to go there to win, we know it will be an uphill task because they are good, but we beat Manchester United at Old Trafford so why can’t we go to Stamford Bridge and beat them?”
All the build-up and pre-match hype will be around Lampard as he makes his first return to Stamford Bridge as a manager. Whilst the cameras concentrate on his return, Malone admitted the players must remain focused and not let the occasion get the better of them.
“It does take a little bit of pressure off, but the gaffer is going to be standing on the side and we’re going to be the ones on the pitch,” Malone commented. “As soon as the whistle goes, the cameras are going to be on us to produce on the pitch.
“Building up to the game will be about Frank Lampard going back to Chelsea and rightly so. He is a legend there and always will be but as soon as it kicks off, I’m sure the manager will tell us we need to get down to business.
“You still get the pressure of playing in the game and being involved in it but leading up to it, it won’t be about us and it will be about the manager. This was his dream draw and it’s come early into his managerial career which is nice for him. It’s going to be a great occasion for everyone.”
The 27-year-old already has good memories of Stamford Bridge. He was part of the Huddersfield Town side that drew 0-0 with Chelsea and secured their Premier League status last season.
“I came on at the Bridge last season for the last 15 minutes, and two minutes later, Eden Hazard came on as well so I thought that was brilliant,” he explained.
“He is a hell of a player and marking him is hard because he’s small and quick and is a world-class player. They are the people I want to play against so it’s going to be a test but one I look forward to. I can’t wait to get down there.”
