Derby County are preparing for their second away game in four days as they make the trip to fellow promoted side Oxford United on Tuesday night.
The U’s made their way into the Championship for the first time in 25 years, winning the League One play-off final against Bolton Wanderers.
Over the course of that campaign, the Rams had their fair share of scrapes with the side, going head-to-head for promotion.
With both teams now back in the second tier, there will be a firm hope of cementing a place in the division for the long term.
Derby and Oxford have had almost identical starts to the season, which will delight both Paul Warne and Des Buckingham.
Des Buckingham gives verdict on Derby County
Heading into the clash, just two goals separate Derby and Oxford in the table, with the latter sitting just above as it stands.
The form table is slightly different as the Yellows are without a win in five – but four of those have been draws.
The Rams have three defeats in five, but one win and one draw ensures they are still keeping their heads above water.
With both teams making a decent start, Buckingham has given his verdict in a pre-match press conference with the Oxford Mail.
The Oxford boss said: “Paul’s got a way he wants to set the team up. The last time I saw him was at the Wembley final, where he was very complimentary about what we did and how we did it, so he’ll be aware of us as well.
“We’re at home and we want to take the game to Derby as much as we can, whilst being respectful of the threats they pose, and make sure we perform to the levels we have.
“They’ve got some real strengths, which we’re aware of and need to prepare ourselves for. It’s always nice to see teams coming up and do as well as they can, ourselves included.”
Oxford United vs Derby County last time out
Derby have had their memorable matches against Oxford over the years, including one such tie in League One last season.
In late December 2023, the U’s took an early lead as Cameron Brannagan bagged a brace for his side at the Kassam Stadium.
Warne’s side pulled one back before half-time through Craig Forsyth, giving them cause to push for more in the second half.
The Oxford defence stood resolute until the final moments when Liam Thompson and Eiran Cashin both bagged goals in the final ten minutes to win the game 3-2.
It helped Derby in their push for promotion, though Buckingham doesn’t think that will have any impact on the fixture this time around.
“I think we’re both in very different places,” he said. “I can’t speak too much for them, but when you look at where we were the last time we welcomed them at home, I’d like to think we’ve really moved on in terms of developing the club, building our squad, and bringing in staff.
“We’re in a very different place, and a very good place, so as nice as it was to welcome them to the Kassam last season, we are a very different team to what we once were.”
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