3/1 To Win
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing has admitted that Derby County's tight-knit squad is crucial to them competing in the Sky Bet Championship as they eye up a first win on the road in the 2024/25 campaign when they travel to Sheffield United on Saturday (3pm kick-off).
Derby will head to Bramall Lane to face a Blades team sitting sixth in the league table after five games, but the Rams will be buoyed by their impressive home form so far this season, as they kept their perfect record at Pride Park Stadium going with a 1-0 win against Cardiff City last weekend.
Mendez-Laing is in the unique position of having played for both Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday, so the fixture may take on another dimension for the Rams' forward. He had a loan spell at Bramall Lane early on in his career - and made 19 appearances for the Owls in League One three seasons ago.
RamsTV caught up with Mendez-Laing ahead of Derby’s trip to South Yorkshire.
On looking forward to at Bramall Lane after playing for both Sheffield clubs…
Sheffield is a big footballing city with a big rivalry. I never got to play in the local derby there, but I was asked yesterday by Ben Osborn if I would get booed for my time with Wednesday. I don't know, we’ll see! There are two big clubs in Sheffield, and it is a great city for football. I'm sure he (Osborn) will get a good standing ovation; he was at the club for a long time and had some good promotions there.
On Sheffield United’s Premier League pedigree…
They've had a great start and that was probably expected. They've yo-yoed from the Premier League to the Championship for the past few years and that means they've got a great team, with some great players. Come the end of the season, I'm sure they'll be there or thereabouts.
On Derby’s start to life back in the Championship…
I’m pleased with the start we’ve made. Not for one second did I doubt what we could achieve this season. I think a lot of people may have written us off early doors, especially after the Blackburn game. I know what we've got in the squad - beyond football - we've got a lot of passion and desire. I'm happy with the start and we're picking up some momentum - so hopefully it can continue.
On the summer signings making an impact on and off the pitch…
We've got a great dressing room in there. The lads have settled in really well and we all get on, on and off the pitch. You'll see the new lads playing pool, table tennis, and a bit of darts and I think a few of them have gone for dinner outside of the club. We're building that togetherness within the team. It's showing with our performances on the field as well.
On wanting to get goals on the board…
I always want goals and assists obviously - and I know football has become a lot about statistics - but if we're winning games and I can help the team to do that, then I'd take scoring no goals all season if we were to have a good year.
