Derby Down Under - Pleased To Meet You Saturday, 15th Nov 2008 00:15 by Daniel J Sewart Giants fell from the mix in the fourth round of the Carling Cup and given a bit of luck in the fixtures, a place in the final four or even the final is a definite possibility for the Rams. Obviously the first preference for the club would be to play the at Pride Park, which is finally becoming the fortress it always should have been. Home support, TV coverage and some extra dollars from hosting the game would be ideal for the clubs growth. The decision for who the Rams meet will be today (Saturday) and when the draw is finalised which team would be best to face off against? Maybe jumping in the deep end against Premiership opposition would be best to try and continue the recent giant killings in the cup. Alternatively continuing to mop up teams who have already done just that (eg: Leeds) who are more on par in quality with the Rams, would give them the best opportunity to make the final. With the question posed I have put together, in order of preference, who I think would be the best team to meet for the best chance of a genuine cup challenge. Watford: Stoke: Burnley: There is no history this season against them but the curse of ‘B’ clubs in cup competition could also be a factor but hopefully we have buried that in recent years. Blackburn: Arsenal: The schizophrenic gunners have once again produced pendulum like performances this season and seemingly will tease their fans again in the title race. With a long history of bowing out of the cup race to lower league teams, they may be a preferred target with a home game against them being a great event for Derby even if they bowed out. Manchester United: As with Arsenal, drawing Man U would be worth it just for the focus on the club that such a clash brings with it. Tottenham: They will field their best squad for every game and with Tom Huddlestone now an established player in the team; he would no doubt pop up to put the Rams to the sword in the tradition of ex players tearing out Rams fans hearts. Under the tutelage of wily old Harry who famously led Portsmouth to FA Cup success last season, they are the team I think will have to be beaten this year for the trophy. So for me it’s Spurs for the cup, a team who only weeks ago were seemingly spiralling towards disaster. That type of form reversal proves the adage that football really is a ‘funny old game’ and nothing is impossible. That same adage is why with a good draw and players giving it everything Derby County could lift the cup. The team is in a position to challenge for their first piece of non-league silverware since their Texaco Cup victory in 1972. Let’s hope they don’t waste the opportunity. **UPDATE**.... Stoke V Derby in the first week of December is the way the cards fell. My second choice on this list but not at home as hoped. Here's hoping they receive a few Premiership batterings before the clash to soften them up a bit. C’mon Ewe Rams! Photo: Action Images Please report offensive, libellous or inappropriate posts by using the links provided.
You need to login in order to post your comments |
Derby County Polls[ Vote here ] |