Ethan Laidlaw previews Derby County U21s v Brentford B | OneFootball

Ethan Laidlaw says “we can do something special” as Brentford B take on Derby County Under-21s in the Premier League Cup on Friday. The game will be played at Matlock Town Football Club and kick-off is scheduled for 7pm.

Brentford B play their fourth PL cup game of Group I knowing a win gives them a real chance of qualifying for the knockout stages of the competition.

Despite two defeats earlier on in the competition, the B team put their campaign back on track with a 2-1 win against Bournemouth in November.

That victory contributes to the B team's impressive eight-game unbeaten streak, which features wins over Colchester United, Millwall, and Queens Park Rangers.

Laidlaw said that the players are just taking it game by game as they look to extend that unbeaten run.

“The boys and I are really confident and I think the coaching staff have done a great job with us this season.” he said.

“We have listened to their advice about taking it game by game and making sure that we stay humble despite the good run of form.

“Even with myself, I am really happy with how I am progressing, especially as I started the season injured, so now I am focused on helping the team as much as possible and Derby is the next team in our sights."

He continued: “Derby have already shown what us already what they can do, so for us, it is important that we correct the mistakes from the last game and go into this one with a fresh mentality."

Ethan Laidlaw on playing in a variety of positions

Since returning from an injury, Ethan Laidlaw has scored two goals in two games for Neil MacFarlane’s side.

The attacker was used as the main striker in their last game against Colchester United Under-21s and he was in the right place to score the winner.

Fredrick says that no matter where he is on the pitch, he will always look to contribute.

“Play up-front was nice, before I came to Brentford, that is where I spent most of my time, but I think my game has improved because I have played in so many positions, since coming to Brentford," he said.

"It has given me a better understanding of the game and I am able to know things that I probably would not have if not for the experience of playing in different positions.

“Wherever the coaches want me to play, for me it is just important to follow the tactics and give my best performance and that is what I aim to do.”

Last time out

Brentford were 3-2 winners in their last game as goals from Ben Krauhaus, Ethan Brierley and Laidlaw were enough to secure victory in the league against Colchester United.

The young Bees were also on the winning side in their last PL Cup game as they beat Bournemouth Under-21s 2-1 at Wheatsheaf Park, earlier in November.

The side from west London now have a chance to put themselves in contention for qualification with a win against Derby County.

Neil MacFarlane’s side will be looking to continue their fine run of form.

About Derby County Under-21s

Derby County U21s have six points after three games in Group I, winning their last two which were against Brentford and Chelsea.

They currently sit in second in the table.

Match coverage

The club will have updates of the match against Derby County on social media, as well as a match report and highlights on the official website and our official app.