3/1 To Win
Derby County’s Under-18s continue their FA Youth Cup campaign tonight as they face Brighton & Hove Albion at Pride Park Stadium (7pm kick-off).
The Under-18s face the Seagulls in the Fourth Round of the competition this evening, looking to reach the Fifth Round of the competition, the same stage they reached last season.
Justin Walker’s side have already overcome strong opposition in Round Three as they beat Everton 1-0 at Pride Park last month.
Central defender Eiran Cashin scored the only goal of the game in the opening 10 minutes to ensure the Rams set up this evening’s tie.
Brighton also came through a tricky Third Round tie of their own as they beat Leicester City last month.
A brace from Stefan Vukoje and a goal from Swiss forward Lorent Tolaj was enough to book their passage through to the Fourth Round of the competition and set up a clash with the Rams.
Derby, who are the reigning National Champions, are once again competing in Premier League North this season.
They have won five and lost six of their 11 games so far and sit seventh in the division.
In contrast, Brighton are enjoying a productive season in Premier League South.
The Seagulls sit fourth in the division, winning seven of their 11 games so far this season and they sit seven points off Chelsea who top the division.
Tonight’s game will be the first for the Under-18s in 2020 and they will be hoping to kick off the decade in style.
Derby are at full strength for tonight’s game, however, might be without attacking player Louie Sibley who has featured a number of times for the first-team.
Other than that, there are no new injury worries for Justin Walker’s men who are looking forward to the challenge Brighton will pose.
Walker told RamsTV: “The boys have been working over the Christmas period and we are looking forward to the game.
“It will be a tough tie. They are going well in their respective league and we have always had competitive games when we have played them in respective competitions so I expect nothing different.
“It is very much the go-to competition for young players up and down the country and we are no different. The players are looking forward to the occasion.”
Forward Archie Brown also told RamsTV: “We played Brighton in pre-season and didn’t get the best result but we know a bit of what they are about.
“The Youth Cup is the one everyone looks forward to. You are in the stadiums and there is usually a good atmosphere. We take each game as it comes but there is a real buzz about the place.”
The match is FREE to attend with entrance to the stadium from the East Stand Turnstiles - so make sure you head down to Pride Park to cheer on the Rams' young guns!
