3/1 To Win
Derby County Under-18s could move up to third place in the Premier League – North table on Friday when they face a trip to Liverpool (kick-off 7pm).
Justin Walker’s side will travel to the Liverpool Academy to take on a Reds side who are a point behind the league leaders and their Merseyside rivals, Everton.
The Rams have been in superb form all season, having only lost twice in their 12 matches in all competitions this term; their latest match saw them cruise to a 4-0 win over Sunderland in the Premier League Cup.
Two goals from Yoann Greco, as well as further strikes from Morgan Whittaker and Tyree Wilson, earned them victory at the Training Centre in Partnership with the University of Derby.
Walker’s side started as they meant to go on, as Greco opened the scoring early into the first half, converting after a cross from wide caused chaos in the visitors’ penalty area.
Greco got his second of the afternoon soon after, making the most of a loose ball to double Derby’s lead.
Forward Whittaker, whose recent form earned him his first cap for England’s under-18s earlier this week, added a third, firing his shot into the far corner.
Derby found themselves four goals clear before half-time, with Wilson getting the final goal of the match, finishing off a superbly worked passing move between himself and fellow goalscorer, Greco.
In the second half, the hosts had plenty of opportunities to increase their heavy advantage through all three of their goalscorers but were forced to settle for just the four-goal victory.
The Rams will be aiming to inflict a first defeat on Liverpool since August in all competitions, who beat Reading 6-0 in the Premier League Cup prior to the international break.
Derby currently sit in fourth position in the league table, four points behind their upcoming opponents Everton. A win for the Rams on Saturday could move them up into third place and climb above Manchester United.
Words by Jonty Colman
