3/1 To Win
Head Coach Paul Warne has challenged his Derby County side to take advantage of the ‘different’ FA Cup feeling and to have 'a point to prove' when they go head-to-head with Leyton Orient in a Third Round knockout tie on Saturday in a break from Sky Bet Championship action (6pm kick-off).
The Rams will start their 2024/25 FA Cup campaign by visiting the Gaughan Group Stadium to face Sky Bet League One’s in-form side.
The O’s have netted 18 goals and secured 22 points in their eight league games since they secured qualification for the Third Round of the FA Cup at the end of November.
Warne spoke to RamsTV to preview the knockout clash in London.
On kicking off the FA Cup campaign against Leyton Orient…
It's a nice break from the league and a chance to hopefully give a good account of ourselves. It doesn't matter about league form, and that's probably what the excitement is - just two teams going at it. The status and the form, in my opinion, don't make up a big deal. It's just about two teams trying to get through. I know it will be a tough challenge. We'll have to be at our very best, and we'll have to be more clinical in the final third.
On the impact of the FA Cup…
When I was younger, it was some of the only football that was on TV, so it was a big deal when it was on. When I became a player, I played in the FA Vase initially, the non-league version, and then progressed to the FA Cup. I always enjoyed the FA Cup games. They are always matches where you are either the underdog or the favourite and you have something to prove.
It sounds a bit weird, but there's constant pressure in league games and there's pressure to do well in the Cup. As a player, it always feels a bit different. It just feels a bit of a freer match. I'm not speaking on behalf of the dressing room, that's just my opinion.
On facing an in-form Leyton Orient team…
Richie Wellens has been named as the League One Manager of The Month; Leyton Orient have won seven out of the last eight. They haven't conceded many goals and are in really good form at home. They will fancy their chances of taking us on and it will be a tough challenge for both teams this weekend.
