Derby County Under-18s will be looking to progress to the knockout stages of the U18s Premier League Cup when they host Sunderland on Saturday, kick-off 1pm.
The fixture sees the Rams host the Black Cats for the second consecutive weekend after a 3-1 victory in Premier League-North last Saturday.
In their first cup match back in September, Derby made the trip to face Brighton and Hove Albion away from home and would come away from the south coast with a 4-1 win.
They are the only side in Group C on three points currently after Sunderland and Aston Villa played out a 1-1 draw in their opening clash.
A win for Justin Walker’s side would therefore see them through to the knockout stages due to there only being three games played in each group.
Speaking to dcfc.co.uk last weekend, Walker said that the competition provides different and challenges for his young side.
He said: “It’s a great challenge. We didn’t progress in that competition last season. We didn’t lose a game in the group-stage, but we didn’t go through.
“I think the variety of the competition is an exciting one. We’ve got Aston Villa to come, so there are some good challenges ahead for the players.
“Obviously, the progression of the players is the most important thing. Morgan and Knighty (Morgan Whittaker and Jason Knight) were missing today and players have stepped in, so it’s good for us to create different opportunities for different players.”
The Rams put in a controlled display last time out in the 3-1 win against Sunderland. A brace from defender Eiran Cashin and an unfortunate own-goal were enough to see them to victory and further consolidate fourth position in Premier League-North.
