Prediction: Derby vs Leeds

Verdict: Derby win

Best Odds: 21/10

Bookmaker: Bet365

Reigniting their Spygate rivalry, Frank Lampard’s Derby side will welcome a struggling Leeds outfit to Pride Park on Saturday evening for their playoff semi-final first-leg.

Derby

Starting with the hosts, while Derby may have left it late, their impressive 3-1 win over West Brom last Saturday secured Frank Lampard’s side that lucrative final spot in the playoffs. Really enjoying a bright end to the year and marching on a six-match unbeaten run to end the season, the Rams have also now lost just one of their last 10 outings, a run that stems back to the start of March. Undoubtedly a huge part in Derby’s late playoff push has been their continued performances at Pride Park. Including their victory over the Baggies last time out, the former England midfielder has seen his side win their last four consecutive matches on home soil and have been beaten just once in front of their own supporters since the 10th of November. It will also be the Rams’ recent showings in the final third most impressing fans around Pride Park. Led by leading goalscorer Harry Wilson who has bagged 16 goals this season, Derby have scored a very eye-catching 15 goals on their four-match winning run on home soil.

Team News

Derby County duo Martyn Waghorn and Duane Holmes are both doubts for the first leg of their Championship play-off semi-final with Leeds United.

Waghorn picked up an Achilles injury in the win over West Brom and Holmes has been struggling with a thigh strain.

Leeds

As for the visitors, while Derby might be enjoying a bright end to the year, the same cannot be said for a struggling Leeds side. Ending their season with another worrying display in their 3-2 loss away at rock-bottom Ipswich on Saturday, Marcelo Bielsa’s side eventually finished the year six points adrift of the automatic places. Failing to win any of their last four appearances and losing three of those contests, a huge part of Leeds’ issues at the back end of the campaign has been down to their issues away from Elland Road. Including their lackluster performance in East Anglia last weekend, the former Napoli boss has seen his men now lose three of their last four matches outside of West Yorkshire. Desperate to recapture any form of momentum entering the playoffs, Bielsa will also be growing more concerned by his sides defensive issues. The Whites have shipped eight goals on their four-match winless run and have recorded just a pair of clean sheets in their final nine Championship outings. While their confidence appears to be at a season-low, Leeds will be boosted by their most recent trip to Pride Park.

Team News

Leeds are without Patrick Bamford, who completes his two-match ban after being found guilty of simulation during their recent draw with Aston Villa.

Pontus Jansson faces a fitness test because of an ankle problem.

Key Factors to Consider

• Derby have won their last four matches at Pride Park, scoring 15 goals.
• Leeds have failed to win any of their last four matches, losing three and drawing one.
• Leeds have also lost three of their last four matches away from Elland Road.
• Derby’s Harry Wilson has scored three in his last two matches at Pride Park.
• Derby have lost just one of their last 12 league games (W6 D5), with a current unbeaten run of six (W4 D2).

Conclusion

While Derby may have left it late to secure their spot in the playoffs, Frank Lampard’s side should see Saturday as a golden opportunity to pick up an early advantage. With Leeds so publically struggling on the road, coupled with the Rams’ recent resurge at Pride Park, we’re backing this weekend’s hosts to come away with the victory in what could be a lively encounter.

Verdict: Derby win

Best Odds: 21/10

Bookmaker: Bet365