Burnley aim to keep Cup momentum as they welcome Derby County in the Carabao Cup
Burnley go into their League Cup third-round tie with Derby County buoyed by a solid start to the Premier League season and a positive recent record against the Rams. The two sides have met 14 times since 2007 with Burnley unbeaten in those clashes, though both of last season’s league meetings ended in goalless draws. The fixture also marks Derby’s first-ever meeting with Burnley in the League Cup.
Burnley’s Cup readiness and Premier League form
Burnley picked up momentum over the weekend by beating Sunderland 2-0 at Turf Moor, a result powered by goals from two players central to their promotion campaign: Josh Cullen and Jaidon Anthony. The win should bolster their confidence ahead of a challenging run that includes a trip to Manchester United next weekend. In the Carabao Cup, Burnley have struggled to progression in recent years, only reaching as far as the fourth round since 2008/09 and being eliminated at that stage by Wolves last season. The Clarets will be hopeful their depth can carry them further this time around.
Derby County’s Cup path and league form
Derby County, meanwhile, advanced by ousting West Bromwich Albion in the previous round, with Joe Ward scoring a 96th-minute equaliser at the Hawthorns and then converting in the shootout. A win here would take the Rams to the third round for only the second time in seven seasons. In the Championship, Derby have yet to claim their first league win of the campaign after a 3-1 loss to Stoke and a 5-3 defeat to Coventry. They did manage a 1-1 draw with Bristol City courtesy of Carlton Morris’ late leveller, but they head to Burnley in Lancashire as clear underdogs in this cup tie.
Head-to-head and recent form context
Burnley and Derby have a long history, with 105 competitive encounters in total. Burnley have 40 wins to Derby’s 42, with 23 draws in the series. The two teams have not met in the League Cup before this fixture, adding a fresh dynamic to what promises to be a competitive tie.
Burnley team news and likely shape
With a high-profile Premier League clash against Manchester United on the horizon, Burnley are expected to rotate their squad. Manager Scott Parker has already ringed in nine summer signings, and several first-team players are sidelined through injury, including Connor Roberts, Bashir Humphreys, Jordan Beyer, Axel Tuanzebe, Manuel Benson, Zeki Amdouni and Armando Broja. Two new goalkeepers have arrived, with Martin Dúbravka likely to make his debut, while Max Weiß could also feature in goal. Both Maxime Estève and Lesley Ugochukwu picked up knocks against Sunderland and may not be risked given their importance. The predicted formation is a 4-5-1 look: Weiß; Sonne, Ekdal, Worrall, Pires; Cullen, Laurent, Ramsey, Edwards, Tchaouna; Flemming. Marcus Edwards has made brief appearances in each league game so far and could be set to start, bringing crucial attacking intent to the midfield.
Derby County outlook and squad notes
Derby will travel with determination but will be aware of the task ahead. They’ve shown grit in the Cup by overturning West Brom, but their league form trails behind Burnley’s early-season momentum. The Rams will likely rely on structure and counter-attacks, aiming to avoid a heavy fixture calendar while seeking to upset the odds on the road.
Match outlook and prediction
This tie figures to be a rotated, high-energy Cup contest. Burnley’s depth and recent momentum give them the edge, and their domestic form suggests they can safely navigate Derby’s challenge. A confident prediction would be Burnley 2, Derby County 0, with the Clarets progressing to the next round.
How to watch and kick-off details
Carabao Cup tie scheduled for Tuesday, 26 August 2025, with kick-off at 19:45 BST (14:45 ET; 11:45 PT). TV coverage is available in the UK on Sky Sports+, in the USA on Paramount+, and in Canada on DAZN Canada. Live streaming options include SkyGo and NOW TV in the UK, along with Paramount+ in the USA and DAZN Canada in Canada.
Key takeaways
– Burnley aim to extend their positive run against Derby and build Cup confidence ahead of a tough Premier League spell.
– Derby will look to surprise and upset the odds, using their Cup momentum from the West Brom victory as motivation.
– Expect rotation from both sides, with Burnley’s squad depth and fresh signings giving them the upper hand.
– The match could set the tone for Burnley’s Cup run and offer a springboard for Derby as they chase early-season improvement.
Additional context and angles
– The cross-season awareness between the clubs hints at a familiar rivalry, even if they have not faced each other in the League Cup before.
– Burnley’s striker rotation and midfield flexibility will be tested, but their depth may prove decisive in a knockout format.
– Derby’s resilience in cup ties could keep them in the fight, especially if they can leverage late-game opportunities.
Positive spin
The fixture offers Burnley a chance to showcase their depth and depth of tactical flexibility, building confidence for both domestic cup progress and the upcoming league battles. Derby, facing rotation and a tough away assignment, can still draw positives from a disciplined performance and the opportunity to stun a Premier League club on their own turf.