“Tough to beat”: Derby County vs Cambridge United preview

Derby County face Cambridge United on Saturday at Pride Park.

Somewhat of a suprise package, Cambridge have had a good start to the season after narrowly escaping relegation last year by one point.

Cambridge currently sit one place below Derby on the same number of points, which is a vast improvement from last season.

Mark Bonner’s side are set up to be tough to beat. They have conceded the second fewest goals this season with seven meaning that the Rams’ strikers are going to have to be on top form to get the better of them.

This tough defence is spearheaded by the strong centre back partnership of Ryan Bennett and Michael Morrison. Both over 30, these two are vastly experienced and have shown thier quality this season.

At the other end of the pitch is striker Fejiri Okenabirhie who has four goals so far this season and is the U’s biggest goal threat.

Mark Bonner normally adopts a 4-2-3-1 which is a direct match up to how Paul Warne has been lining up his Derby side in recent weeks.

This means that the game could come down to individual match ups especially in the wide positions.

Bonner is confident that his side can relish the opportunity against the Rams and live up to the big occassion, he told Cambridge United’s Official Website: “Amazing stadium, amazing atmosphere when we played there last year over Christmas, and we’ll have some brilliant support behind us.

“It’s certainly one of those games that you’re really excited about and look forward to. The league table hasn’t taken shape yet, it’s an individual game that we’ve just got to go and give a really good account of ourselves in.”

Cambridge have been relativley lucky with injuries so far this season with the big loss being left back Harrison Dunk who has been ruled out for the rest of the year after undergoing surgery on his knee.

Elsewhere, there are a number of key players who could return for the U’s including Jack Stephens, Brandon Haunstrup and Jordan Cousins.

Last season, the Rams won both matchups against Cambridge with a 2-0 away victory in October 2022 and a 1-0 home win in December 2022. They’ll be hoping to keep this streak going at Pride Park on Saturday.

Derby County vs Cambridge United won’t be available to watch in the UK due to the 3pm blackout rule. But coverage will be live for international audiences on Rams TV from 2.30pm and audio coverage will be available to everyone via BBC Radio Derby from 2pm.

To see DerbyWorld’s predicted XI for the Rams on Saturday, click here. (add in link when XI is published).