The Borussia Dortmund U19s could have hardly been given a tougher draw in their UEFA Youth play-off on Tuesday (14:00 CET): an away trip to English champions Derby County. "A team that plays at a high tempo and is well-drilled on a physical and tactical level," was what head coach Michael Skibbe had to say about an opponent that left all of the top English teams trailing in their wake in the Premier League last season.

The Black & Yellows have made the journey to Derby full of confidence following back-to-back victories in their big Bundesliga clashes with 1. FC Cologne and Borussia Mönchengladbach. As expected, Michael Skibbe will be without Giovanni Reyna for this one with the youngster having played himself into the senior squad. But there are reinforcements in the shape of young first-teamer Tobias Raschl and U23 player Julius Schell. Immanuel Pherai, who has recently been missing with an ankle injury, is now fit to play too.

"Our objective is obviously to qualify for the Round of 16. But we'll need an outstanding performance to achieve that," said Michael Skibbe. (wiwi)

Detailed report on the youth website.