DERBY COUNTY Opposition View ‘We have been less effective away from home’
A view of Kenilworth Road from the gantry.
Under the lights at Kenilworth Road, it’s time for Friday night football as Luton Town take on Derby County. After a string of seven consecutive away defeats, Friday night offers a shot at redemption on home turf.
However, there is cause for optimism as the Hatters boast the eighth best home record in the league and come up against the Derby County side have only taken seven points away from home in eleven games, ranking them 19th.
To get a deeper understanding of what we can expect from Derby, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jacob from RamsTalk Podcast.
Q: How do you feel about your team's performances in the league so far?
A: Mixed emotions, there has been a real variety so far which is to be expected as a newly promoted side. The last couple of fixtures have given me a little more faith mind, and I’m confident we have enough to survive in our first season back.
Q: Given the numerous matches between the two over the past few years, should we expect a similar style of football or something different this year?
A: I’d definitely say that we’ll look a different side to when we last faced. A lot has changed and Paul Warne has stamped his mark on the squad. We’re much more physical now and our set-pieces tend to be much more dangerous. We’re certainly not as free-flowing either.
Q: Who are the players we should be worried about facing?
A: A few spring to mind. Jerry Yates, whilst not prolific, is very clever and usually has a huge say in our attacks.
Ebou Adams is a real battler in the middle of the park, not much gets past him at all.
Then Eiran Cashin at the back has adapted excellently to life back in the Championship - he’s a reliable defender who’s very comfortable on the ball and often launches our counter-attacks with his vision and passing ability.
Q: Are the any key absences for Saturday?
A: The main absence is David Ozoh. Unfortunately we haven’t seen too much of him since he signed on loan from Crystal Palace, but what we did see was pretty impressive. A real commanding and creative presence in the middle, most supporters are very eagerly awaiting his return.
Q: What are your expectations for this game and what is your score prediction?
A: I’m expecting a real battle on Friday, I’d be surprised if there was more than a goal in favour of either side. We have been less effective away from home, however, which could play a part considering Luton’s home record. Airing on the side of optimism, I’ll back a 2-1 victory for Derby.