3/1 To Win
Derby County Under-18s open their FA Youth Cup campaign tonight with a Round Three clash against Blackpool at Bloomfield Road, kick-off: 7pm.
Justin Walker’s side are in superb form having been undefeated in 11 of their last 12 fixtures and will be looking to continue that as their focus switches to the cup draw. Here dcfc.co.uk has everything you need to know about the young Rams’ trip to Lancashire.
THE STORY SO FAR…
The Rams enter this year’s FA Youth Cup in the third round, whilst their opposition, the Seasiders, set up the tie with a 2-1 victory over Scunthorpe United.
Both teams had impressive campaigns in the cup last season. The young Rams defeated Manchester United at Pride Park Stadium in the Third Round before losing to Norwich City 4-2 in added extra time at Carrow Road.
Blackpool made it to the semi-final of the competition where they fell to Arsenal after two legs.
WHAT WALKER HAD TO SAY…
Speaking to RamsTV, Walker said: “You can feel the excitement amongst the lads. They always look out for the draw and I was no different as a player myself.
“I have fond memories of the FA Youth Cup. I was lucky enough to get to the quarter-finals when I was at Forest so it’s great memories.”
He added: “Nothing is different in the way we prepare. People think that the Youth Cup is a different approach to what we usually do week to week, but we’ve done nothing different.
“The players are excited about the competition because you need an edge and you need something that has something riding on it.
“You can’t replicate that week to week in terms of what the first team have, playing for three points, livelihoods, the reality of football and what they’re stepping into so it’s great. It’s a must-win game.”
HOW TO FOLLOW THE ACTION…
Kick-off at Bloomfield Road is at 7pm and entry for spectators is priced at £3 for adults and £1 for concessions.
Can’t make it to the game? RamsTV has got you covered with all the action LIVE and for FREE.
RamsTV’s coverage of Tuesday night’s game at Bloomfield Road starts from 6.50pm and is available through dcfc.co.uk and the DCFC app.
Build-up to kick-off (7pm) includes an exclusive pre-match chat with Lead Development Phase Coach Justin Walker as well as a look back at the Under-18s’ impressive recent form.
Owen Bradley will then be joined by Shane Nicholson for full kick-by-kick coverage of the match as well as analysis of all the game’s key moments at the interval and full time.
