Derby County entertain Premier League team Liverpool tonight in the 3rd round of the EFL Cup.
Derby were very close to three points against Bristol City on Saturday but below par defending left a City player unmarked at the far post to slot home in the 94th minute.
Gut wrenching for players, coaches and travelling fans.
Derby played reasonably well and had enough opportunities to seal the game but Bent, Vydra and Wilson should have all done better with their chances.
Playing Liverpool will be a whole different ball game. They are not in Europe so will field a very strong side, unless one or two players are injured.
Derby will need to make changes as Vydra and Anya are cup tied while Wilson and one or two other Rams players are carrying knocks. Russell and Shackell are both definitely out with respective calf strains.
Derby may start with Darren Bent up front if Wilson is not risked and have the choices of Weimann, Ince and Blackman to start in place of Vydra and Anya. They may also look to bolster the centre of midfield by playing Butterfield with Hughes and Bryson or could give Bradley Johnson a run.
Liverpool have an abundance of players and talent to choose from but with Sturridge in doubt, Origi or the fit again Firmino will deputise. The pace of Mane and trickery of Coutinho will cause Derby problems and the hard work of Henderson and Milner should easily match the Rams.
Emre hopes to be fit again for the clash and will bolster the options in midfield if available.
Match Prediction:
Even if Derby were playing very well, scoring goals and conceding none, this would still be a very tough game for the hosts. Currently, as new players settle, old players get used to a new regime and fans deal with a bad start to the season, the omens do not look good for Derby.
Yes, Derby should raise their game and there is a very, very slim chance of a cup upset but you feel it is highly unlikely. Even when an in form Derby team, playing very good football, played Chelsea twice in the past two seasons, they were still beaten reasonably comfortably, although Derby did give it a good go on both occasions.
A Liverpool victory is very likely. They have played superbly against Arsenal, Leicester and Chelsea but did suffer a shock 2-0 away defeat to Burnley. They sometimes look susceptible at the back so Derby could create one or two chances but will need to make sure they take them to have any chance.
In the last round, Liverpool demolished Burton 5-0 and four days later Derby fans will remember what happened next at Burton
Liverpool to win 4-1. Derby to put in a good performance but surely beating Blackburn on Saturday is a far more crucial in the scheme of the season.
Finally, on behalf of all of us at RamZone and everyone that has ever been connected with Derby County in the past 60 years.... Gordon Guthrie, you were a true gent, an absolute LEGEND.
May you rest in peace.
Derby 1 v 2 Liverpool
Pride Park Stadium - 26th December 2007
Derby 3 v 2 Liverpool
Pride Park Stadium — 13th March 1999