A European fixture lies ahead for Derby County’s Under-23s as they prepare to face Wolfsburg and get their Premier League International Cup campaign underway.
The Rams face their German opponents in good form at Pride Park Stadium (kick-off: 7pm) and ahead of the meeting, dcfc.co.uk has pulled together all the information you are going to need to know ahead of kick-off…
WHAT’S THE LATEST TEAM NEWS
Calum Macdonald is in line to return to the Under-23s matchday fold when they face Wolfsburg.
The Scotland Under-21 left back missed the 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur last Friday, sitting out to serve a one-match suspension.
Luke Thomas should be fine to retain his place in the squad.
After scoring the winning goal against Spurs he was taken off shortly before full-time after falling under a hard challenge.
That aside, Darren Wassall has no new injury concerns, whilst Kyle McAllister remains a long-term absentee.
SETTING THE SCENE
Derby’s Under-23s will be hoping to kick their Premier League International campaign off with a bang when take on Wolfsburg this evening.
Darren Wassall’s side have won five of their last six matches in all competitions and so are in strong form heading into the contest.
Whilst it is the Rams’ first match in this competition, their German opponents arrive at Pride Park Stadium with a win behind them already.
They came from behind to defeat the reigning Premier League 2 champions, Everton, 3-1 in Southport and arrive top of Derby’s group, which also contains Dinamo Zagreb.
In an interview with RamsTV, Wassall, Derby’s academy director, spoke of the task at hand for his young players, against a club from a nation that he feels are at the forefront of youth development.
He said: “Germany have been at the top of world development, whether that is youth or first team, for decades now.
“The Dutch are very competent in terms of their technique and tactics, but the Germans are now a step ahead of everybody.
“Wolfsburg will be a very tough game for us, but we don’t feel inferior to any team we come up against.
“We do have to concentrate on what we are good at. It’s a great challenge for both teams, but we know that if we perform to the heights that we can then we are a match for anyone.”
Read Darren Wassall’s full pre-match interview now on dcfc.co.uk.
HOW CAN I ATTEND?
Supporters will be able to back Darren Wassall’s Under-23s side FREE OF CHARGE once again on Wednesday evening when they get their Premier League International Cup campaign up and running.
As was the case with the Sunderland and Everton matches earlier in the campaign, there will be no reserved seating and tickets will not be required for this Premier League 2 Division 1 fixture.
Supporters are advised to head straight to the lower section of the East Stand upon their arrival on the night.
The club will also open up Car Park A, which is located on the same side as the East Stand, and this will be available on a first come, first served basis.
WHAT HAPPENED LAST TIME OUT?
DERBY COUNTY U23s 1-0 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR U23s
Friday 27th October, 2017
Luke Thomas extended his run of impressive form by scoring the winner as Derby County’s Under-23s set themselves up for their meeting with Wolfsburg by beating Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 in Premier League 2 Division 1 last Friday.
Darren Wassall’s side had the best of the chances throughout and they were rewarded through Thomas’ precise finish shortly before the hour mark.
The Rams’ Under-23s have now beat three of the Premier League’s leading lights, with the three points against Spurs adding to earlier wins against Manchester United and Liverpool.
Derby County U23s: Barnes; Stabana, Wassall, Shackell, Lowe; Guy, Hanson (Bateman, 67), Bird; Thomas (Walker, 86), Jakobsen (Vernam, 75), Babos.
Substitutes not used: Ravas, Cover.
Tottenham Hotspur U23s: Austin; Marsh, Maghoma, Tanganga, Bennetts; Skipp (Pritchard, 46), Amos; Harrison, Edwards, Shashoua (Tracey, 63); Loft (Sterling, 71).
Substitutes not used: Whiteman, Roles.
HOW CAN I FOLLOW THE ACTION?
Rams supporters not attending Wednesday night’s fixture will still be able to follow all of the action LIVE and for FREE on RamsTV. As usual, you will be able to keep up to date with all the key moments across the official Derby County Academy Twitter account, @dcfcacademy, whilst a full match report, match images, reaction and match highlights will follow across dcfc.co.uk and RamsTV after the full-time whistle.
