Old Trafford, also known as the Theatre of Dreams is setting itself up for another cup clash this time between Derby County and Manchester United. The stadium will play host to many travelling Derby fans who will be hoping that the theatre of dreams can help their players showcase their best talents on the night.
Derby County looks like a new team this season in the Championship. The Rams are placed second in the league and have looked extremely entertaining this season. They are also the second highest scoring team in their league and look set for a promotion next season. After a dull season last time around that saw the club finish ninth in the league, Derby have managed to turn things around so far this season. They took full advantage of Bristol City’s defeat to leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers a few days back to jump into second place in the league and will want to consolidate their position near the top.
They now turn their attention to Manchester United for a match in the FA Cup. The second placed team in the English Premier League will host the second placed team in the Championship in what can be an exciting match to watch.
Although their last game was a 1-1 draw against Sheffield United at home, Derby players will need little motivation for their next match. An occasion to play against Manchester United at Old Trafford is grand by all means and Derby players will want to prove their mettle on the biggest stage.
Derby will know United will be a tad bit different from their usual class of opponents and the Rams will have to produce their finest game to stand a chance of progressing. Moreover, with Derby County’s next league game all the way in January 13th, the Rams’ manager will know that he can use the strongest squad at his disposal without having to save up anybody.
With United unable to hit top gear in the league, Derby will be hoping to add further reasons of frustration to Mourinho and his men on the match day. Here is how Derby County will look to line up for the big occasion; the FA Cup fixture.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Defence
Scott Carson will be expected in goal for Derby County. A centre-back pairing of Curtis Davies and Richard Keogh can be seen with Craig Forsyth at left back and Chris Baird at right back.
Midfield
A deep-lying midfield axis of Tom Huddlestone and Joe Ledley can be expected with Derby’s top scorer Matej Vydra expected to play as the number 10 ahead of them.
On the left flank, Bradley Johnson can be expected with Andreas Weimann on the right.
Attack
David Nugent can be once again expected to lead the line.
