For the second round of the 2020/21 Carabao Cup the Lilywhites have been rewarded for their first round win over Mansfield Town with a trip to face Derby County.
They take on Phillip Cocu’s Rams at Pride Park, the first meeting of the sides in the League Cup on Derby’s own turf, the only game between the sides in the competition was at the same round back in August 2008, when Paul Green gave the visitors to Deepdale a place in the third round.
Both teams will want to get a victory, after being on the wrong end of the result in their opening weekend round of league fixtures on Saturday, Cocu’s side losing 2-0 at home to Reading at Pride Park.
Our hosts for the 6.30pm kick-off defeated league returnees Barrow in the first round, winning on penalties. Of course, if this tie is level after 90 minutes, it would also go straight to penalty kicks, with no extra-time played in the Carabao Cup early rounds.
Match Information
Competition: Carabao Cup Second Round
Date: Tuesday 15th September, kick-off 6.30pm
Venue: Pride Park
Kit: 2020/21 away kit – click here to buy it now!
Head To Head: PNE wins – 49; Draws – 23; Derby County wins - 47
Team News
PNE manager Alex Neil will hope to have back goalkeeper Declan Rudd, who missed the opening league game against Swansea City at the weekend, with Darnell Fisher looking close to a return, having missed the clash with Steve Coopers Swans.
Alex has the opportunity to rotate his squad and admitted in his interview after the weekend’s defeat that ‘places are up for grabs’ with those coming in having an opportunity to retain their shirt for the trip to Norwich at the weekend.
Josh Earl and Louis Moult will be the only players who are not available, the left back having picked up a muscle strain that is likely to keep him out for a couple of weeks.
In the weekend’s defeat to the Royals, Phillip Cocu named Max Bird as captain of his side for the first time in a league game in absence of Wayne Rooney, who was named amongst the substitutes after recovering from injury
There was good news for the Rams, as Andre Wisdom – who used to play under Alex Neil at Norwich City – made his first start since suffering injuries following an unprovoked attack at the end of June.
There were league debuts in the game for summer signings, David Marshall, Mike te Wierik, Matt Clarke and from the bench Nathan Byrne, who joined from Wigan Athletic at the end of last week.
However, Tom Lawrence, Martyn Waghorn and Duane Holmes all missed the game and Kyristian Bielik is still out with a long-term injury.
Opposition View
Speaking to Rams TV ahead of the second round tie, County midfielder Louie Sibley was expecting North End to pose a physical threat.
He said: “They are a good team. We know that any team that we play against in the league will be good. We are really looking forward to it, because we didn't get the best start.
“They are a threat from corners, they are quite a physical team and we know that, but the team are looking forward to it and hopefully we can get through to the next round of the cup.
“We want to do well in the cup, because it gives you confidence in the league and that is what we are trying to do.”
Match Officials
The referee on Tuesday evening will be Andy Davies. Last season he officiated two PNE games, away at Queens Park Rangers and our home game against Bristol City at Deepdale that ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw. He also refereed one Rams game last season, their 3-2 defeat at Luton Town, when Max Lowe saw red.
Before last season, the referee took charge of the local derby with Bolton Wanderers in 2018/19; the game finishing 2-2. That was his second-only time of taking charge at Deepdale having made the long trip up from Hampshire for the game.
His first trip north was back in January 2018, when he was referee for a 1-1 draw with Birmingham City.
He will be assisted by Steven Meredith and Adam Crysell and the fourth official will be Mark Dwyer.
Match Coverage
North End fans can watch Tuesday’s game live on iFollow PNE, with purchases of a £10 match pass available now.
Guy Clarke and a guest co-commentator are on commentary duties, with replays, graphics and coverage from Deepdale from 6.20pm on Tuesday evening.
Click here now to sign up for a match pass
Linked Stories
Alex Neil Says Places Are Up For Grabs: Preston North End manager Alex Neil says that those who make the starting XI in the Carabao Cup second round have a chance to keep their shirts for the upcoming league challenges. Click here for the full interview.
Jayden Stockley: “It’s A Big Chance For Me” - Preston North End forward Jayden Stockley is hoping he makes the starting XI in the second round of the Carabao Cup, so he can put a marker down. Click here for Jayden’s thoughts.
A Match To Remember: It may have been the FA Cup and not the Carabao Cup, but our last cup tie at Pride Park was a memorable one for the Lilywhites. Click here for the details.