Middlesbrough will face Paul Warne’s Derby County for the first time on Saturday, August 16th.
Boro have got their 2024/25 campaign off to a prolific start under Michael Carrick.
Middlesbrough beat Swansea City 1-0 to kick off the Championship season last weekend, with Emmanuel Latte Lath opening his account for the year.
The Teessiders were then in first-round League Cup action at Elland Road in midweek, where a tough test awaited them.
However, despite being dominated in the early stages, goals from Anfernee Dijksteel, Delano Burgzorg, and Josh Coburn saw Middlesbrough beat Leeds United 3-0.
It was the first time the Reds have picked up a win over their local rivals in any competition since 2018.
The excellent showing on Wednesday should give Carrick and his men plenty of confidence heading into the weekend when Middlesbrough face Derby County.
Paul Warne took charge of the Rams in 2022 when they were in League One, meaning Boro have never faced off with his Derby side, who only won promotion back to the Championship this year.
Derby County expert gives verdict on Rams’ opening day defeat to Blackburn Rovers
As a result, most Boro fans are probably going into Saturday’s game at Pride Park not knowing what to expect from their side’s upcoming opponents.
But Boro News have spoken exclusively to Derby County expert Luke Thrower to get the lowdown on the newly-promoted outfit.
Derby suffered a heavy 4-2 defeat at Blackburn on August 9th, with Thrower suggesting the naivety of Warne’s team cost them.
He said: “Derby took their time to get into the game, with Blackburn holding plenty of possession in the first half and striking first. Once the Rams got their foot on the ball, they certainly looked a competitive Championship outlet and could’ve gone on to win it.
“However, it was perhaps naivety that hindered the side as a 12-minute collapse saw Rovers score three quick goals and dash any hopes of at least a point. On the whole, there were some positives to take, but the scoreline and momentary lapses of judgment came as big concerns.”
Middlesbrough told Derby County biggest weakness and strength
Their defeat last week was not all negative, though, with Nathaniel Mendez-Laing proving he can be a serious threat in the Championship.
The forward set up both the Rams’ goals against Blackburn and was name-dropped by Thrower when asked what Derby’s biggest strength is.
He said: “Derby’s biggest strength last season was their defensive solidity, but there is little proof to suggest that is the case so far – though we are just two games into the season as a whole. Corners and set-pieces will be crucial – having scored the most in League One last season and three out of four of the goals so far this campaign has come from them.
“Nathaniel Mendez-Laing has been something of a talisman since he arrived at the club, while Kenzo Goudmijn has been the standout signing of the summer so far.”
On Derby’s biggest weakness, he added: “Derby’s biggest weakness at the moment appears to be their shape off the ball.
“Players are keen to be aggressive and win possession back, but it has often left big gaps in the midfield for teams to exploit.”
Finally, while most Boro fans likely back their side to pick up a win this weekend, Thrower predicted a 1-1 draw in Derbyshire.