Prediction: Leeds vs Derby

Prediction: Derby win

Best Odds: 7/2

Bookmaker: bet365

The Championship is in full flow at the half way point of the season, and yet, we’re still no closer to finding out who will be gaining promotion to the Premier League once it’s all said and done. Two teams that are in the running are Leeds United and Derby County, in a fixture that goes back many, many years. The days of Don Revie vs Brian Clough still live long in the memory of many fans, and while it’ll take a while for these clubs to get back to those heights, they’ve got two managers who certainly have the right kind of ambition.

Leeds

Leeds are one of those teams that we just can’t figure out. When they’re on top form we’d argue they’re a match for even a handful of Premier League sides, and that’s saying something. Alas, they’ve been so up and down that it leaves us wondering whether or not they’ll slip up as we get closer to the end of the season. It’s entirely possible and we’ve seen it happen many times before in the past, but for now, we’d advise fans to just enjoy the ride – and try to keep their expectations at a minimum, just in case.

Team News

Kalvin Phillips will be suspended, with Aapo Halme being tipped to start. Jack Clarke is expected to replace Jack Harrison, but aside from that, we shouldn’t expect all too many changes from the league leaders.

Derby

While Derby are known for getting the hopes of their fans up before letting them down, something feels different this season. It’s almost as if the football world is just waiting for Frank Lampard to slip up, as if it’s an inevitability. In response he’s been able to guide the Rams into the top six, and they’ve certainly earned their place there. They’re the masters of pulling a late goal or a surprise out of nowhere, and in a division such as this one, that’s one of the best traits you could hope to have.

Team News

Tom Huddlestone is tipped to make a start after missing out against Boro, providing Lampard with a bit of a selection headache. Andre Wisdom is expected to start with Scott Malone being unavailable.

Factors to Consider

• The game will be played at Leeds’ Elland Road.
• Leeds have won three and lost three of their last six games.
• Derby have won one, drawn four and lost one of their last six games.
• Leeds lead the overall head to head standings 55-37 with 28 draws.
• Leeds won their last meeting against Derby 4-1 back in August.

Conclusion

It’s the Championship, right? So we should automatically expect the unexpected. Leeds are on a bit of skid right now and yet, because nobody seems to actually want to win the division, they’re still top. We can see Derby throwing everything against the wall in this one, because let’s face it, they’re going to want a measure of revenge for what happened at the start of the season. We’re expecting goals and we’re expecting late drama, with the Rams pinching all three points in the last few minutes.

Prediction: Derby win

Best Odds: 7/2

Bookmaker: bet365