The Derby County Under-18s face their biggest test of the season so far as they host Manchester City at Pride Park Stadium (7pm kick off) in the FA Youth Cup Fifth Round.
It’s been a season to remember for Justin Walker’s side so far. They sit second in U18 Premier League – North, they are in the semi-finals of the U18 Premier League Cup and face a tough clash against City in the FA Youth Cup Fifth Round.
Whilst talk of a potential treble firmly remains tight-lipped, it has certainly been a season that the young Rams can be proud of so far.
Tonight’s clash against Manchester City will be a tough encounter, however, they have already faced each other in the league this season. The game finished a draw as Jordan Brown’s 89th minute effort secured a point.
The Rams currently sit four places and 14 points above tonight’s opponents in the league. They are high in confidence after recording seven straight victories in all competitions but will have to be wary of the threats City pose.
Walker’s side have already enjoyed success under the Pride Park Stadium lights this season as they beat Sheffield United in the Fourth Round. Goals from Jason Knight, Louie Sibley and Tyree Wilson secured a comfortable 3-0 victory, whilst they beat Blackpool at Bloomfield Road in Round Three.
His side are yet to concede a goal in this competition so far and Walker hopes his players will be able to step up to the challenge tonight.
“It’s a really exciting opportunity for us,” he told RamsTV. “Manchester City have historically done well in the competition and are always a strong challenge for anyone in the country so it’s another exciting opportunity for us.
“It’s a different type of challenge for the players and that’s what we look forward to. It’s important that our boys get these sorts of challenges on a regular basis and so far we have gone out and met those challenges.
“I do believe that the experiences the manager and his staff are presenting on a daily basis in the Under-23s and at First Team level, is contributing to the maturity of the lads.
“These occasions aren’t putting the players out of their comfort zones too much because they are growing in that environment and looking forward to the challenge ahead.
“We are clearly the underdogs but that’s the way it is. It’s a free hit, we have nothing to lose and we are looking forward to the challenge.”
Wilson, who netted in the Fourth Round clash against Sheffield United, added: “I think we have a good chance and I don’t think we are looked at as the underdogs. We are doing better than them in the league and I feel we should have beaten them earlier on in the season.
“We just lost our structure in the game and didn’t work hard enough to get the win but this time I think we have a good chance.
“I think it’s better to play at Pride Park. It gives you a taste of what it’s like to be with the first team. The pitch is bigger but it’s good for a player like me because there is more space to run into.
“We’ve just beaten Tottenham who are regarded as one of the best in the country so we have a good chance.”
The game is FREE for supporters to attend. Those wishing to attend can gain access to Pride Park Stadium via the East Stand turnstiles.
RamsTV are streaming the game live from Pride Park this evening for supporters unable to attend the game.
