- Burnley U21 are winless in their last 5 competitive matches, losing 4 of those in Premier League 2, before edging Fleetwood Town U21 2-1 in the Premier League Cup.
- Derby County U21 have played an entertaining brand of football in Premier League 2, netting 8 and conceding 8 in their 3 games, which have all counted for the table.
An even affair at Leyland
Only a few recorded meetings exist between these sides, with the most recent Premier League 2 clash between Burnley U21 and Derby County U21 finishing 1-1 on 23 February 2026, a score line which wouldn't be surprising in the least were it to come about on Friday.
The Lancashire FA County Ground in Leyland is set to play host to what could be an open contest between two sides still learning the ropes in Premier League 2 - Division 1 for 2026-2027. Derby County U21 have a slightly more settled 4 points from 3 games, whilst Burnley U21 occupy a place in the bottom zone after a less than impressive start to the season in which they've collected no points.
Andy Farrell's side have used a 3-at-the-back system with wing support, with Kian McMahon-Brown and Zach Johnson their two most influential players. Farrell sets up a team that looks to counter attack with pace from a deep block, which doesn't press but rather stays compact and allows players to push forward in transition.
Derby will get the better of the Clarets
The Rams will be run by Derby County's coaching staff, as such, they'll look to stay organised and break with purpose. Charlie Smith has been their creative hub in central midfield, supplying a set-piece threat and controlling the tempo when in possession. Raymond Offor provides a real aerial threat in attack, whilst Osong has shown goals and movement to be Derby County U21's most dangerous attacking outlet.
This could be a scrap, given Burnley's shape can drag Derby out of their structured shape, but the visitors have a clean approach to attacking that should create the better chances on Friday. Derby County U21 are favoured at 8/5, whilst Burnley U21 come in at 23/20 and the draw at 3/1, all of which are significantly shorter than the odds would suggest.
Burnley U21 have conceded in their last 4 straight Premier League 2 games, which is an obvious red flag for a side still searching for their rhythm at the back. Both teams to score at 7/20 doesn't offer much value given the expectation of an open, chance-filled game, but Destiny Okonkwo will give the Clarets a real spark up top, as he showed when scoring the winner against Fleetwood Town U21. Derby have the edge in terms of quality and structure, so a 2-1 away win is our best play here.
