Derby County host Barrow A.F.C at Pride Park this Saturday in the first round of the EFL Carabao Cup.

For the Rams, this competition is a familiar sight, but for the Bluebirds it is a first appearance in the cup for 49 years, following their promotion back into the football league last season.

It is a fixture that, on paper, may seem one-sided and predictable – an established Championship club versus an out of depth League Two side; however, Barrow may not be as easy of an opponent as they are perceived to be.

Form

Phillip Cocu’s side ended last season’s campaign in poor form, especially at Pride Park. Just two wins in their last eight competitive matches at home meant that any late hopes of a play-off position were quickly distinguished.

Barrow’s form was inconsistent at the end of the season, winning and losing the same amount of games in their five remaining matches. Despite not finding consistency, the Bluebirds would often find the back of the net, scoring at least one in 22 of their last 25 games.

Players to watch

Wayne Rooney is the obvious choice for this category, although he did miss his sides previous friendly with a muscle problem. The Rams captain made a massive difference to Derby’s season when he arrived at Pride Park in January, changing the storyline from mid-table mediocrity to play-off hope within just a few games.

Eight combined goals and assists in 20 appearances for the Rams proves that the ex-England captain still has it, despite being 34 years of age.

For Barrow, their star man may be less known, but Dior Angus is still a force to be reckoned with. The 26-year-old has spent the majority of his career revolving through multiple different non-league clubs but seems to have finally found his home at Holker Street.

The striker was essential in the Bluebirds promotion last year, scoring ten times in 36 appearances. The pacey player loves to run through the channels but can also hold the ball up well, an all-round striker who should not be underestimated.

Team news

Barrow will be without Scott Quigley due to him receiving a red card in the game against Notts County at the end of last season.

The Rams will miss Welsh international Tom Lawrence who is still recovering from a shoulder injury picked up at the end of last term, while Polish international Krystian Bielik will miss out with knee trouble and David Marshall is away on international duty with Scotland.

Head to head

This will be the first time the sides have met for 63 years, last facing in a 3-3 draw in 1957. The teams have only clashed on three other occasions, with Derby winning two and the other ending in a draw.

How to watch

The match will be live on Sky Sports, with a midday kick off.