Derby County vs Sunderland Predictions

Derby County vs Sunderland predictions for this Championship clash. Sunderland face Derby County on Tuesday, aiming to bounce back in the Championship against a struggling Derby side enduring poor form. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips. 

Championship | Jan 21, 2025 at 7.45pm UK at Ewood Park (Blackburn, Lancashire)

Derby County vs Sunderland Predictions

Will Sunderland’s Defence Be Too Much for Derby to Handle at Pride Park?

• Sunderland’s Defensive Record Shines: The Black Cats have conceded just 26 goals in 27 Championship matches, highlighting their reliability at the back.
• Derby’s Home Struggles Persist: The Rams have managed just one win in their last five home games, scoring only four goals in that period.
• Isidor’s Redemption Opportunity: Despite his missed penalties, Wilson Isidor has scored eight goals this season and remains Sunderland’s most consistent attacking threat.

Our Tips

Derby County welcome Sunderland to Pride Park on Tuesday night in what promises to be a fascinating battle between two sides with very different priorities this season. For Derby, survival in the Championship remains the ultimate aim after their promotion from League One, and while they currently sit just above the relegation zone, their recent form is deeply concerning. The Rams are on a five-match losing streak in all competitions, a run that includes their FA Cup elimination at the hands of Leyton Orient. With just one point separating them from the drop, pressure is mounting on Paul Warne’s team to halt their slide.

Sunderland, on the other hand, have their eyes firmly fixed on the top of the table. Currently in fourth place, the Black Cats are only four points behind second-placed Sheffield United and are pushing hard for automatic promotion. However, their failure to convert two late penalties in their goalless draw against Burnley last time out has left them with a bitter taste in their mouths. Despite that frustration, Sunderland’s record this season speaks volumes. Their combination of strong defensive performances and clinical attacking moments has made them one of the most consistent sides in the league. As they travel to face a struggling Derby side, they’ll know that anything less than three points will be seen as a missed opportunity.

Best Bet: Sunderland to Win and Keep a Clean Sheet

The standout betting angle for this fixture is Sunderland to win while keeping a clean sheet. Derby’s struggles in front of goal, coupled with Sunderland’s defensive solidity, make this a compelling choice.

Derby’s recent form highlights their difficulties in finding the back of the net. Over their last five matches, they have failed to score more than once in a single game, and their last outing—a 2-0 defeat to Watford—showed how toothless they can be against well-organised opposition. While Jerry Yates has six goals to his name this season, the Rams lack a consistent secondary goal threat, and their over-reliance on him could play into Sunderland’s hands.

Sunderland, meanwhile, have conceded just 26 goals in their 27 league matches, making them one of the toughest sides to break down in the Championship. Even in their frustrating draw against Burnley, their defensive resilience was evident, with Burnley rarely threatening to break the deadlock. Key players like Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham have been integral in controlling games from midfield, while Sunderland’s backline, led by Luke O’Nien and Joe Mepham, has been dependable throughout the campaign.

The psychological boost Sunderland will take from their strong away record this season cannot be overstated. With 20 points collected from 14 away games, they have proven time and again that they can deliver on the road. Derby, on the other hand, have only won once in their last five matches at home, making them far from intimidating at Pride Park.

As BettingTips4You.com expert Steve Harrington summarised, “Sunderland’s structure and discipline make them a nightmare for a team like Derby, who are already struggling to score. A clean-sheet win for the Black Cats looks like a smart move.”

Correct Score Prediction: Derby County 0-2 Sunderland

A 2-0 win for Sunderland appears the most logical outcome based on the form and dynamics of both sides. While Derby may be fighting for survival, their lack of attacking impetus combined with Sunderland’s defensive organisation suggests they will struggle to create clear chances.

Sunderland’s strength lies in their ability to manage games, and against a side like Derby, who have conceded 46 goals this season, they should find opportunities to capitalise on mistakes. Players like Wilson Isidor, despite his missed penalties in the last match, remain a potent threat in the final third. Isidor, who has already netted eight times this season, will be eager to redeem himself and could be the difference-maker in this contest.

Derby’s fragile defence will have to contend with Sunderland’s ability to stretch the game, particularly with wide players such as Patrick Roberts likely to exploit space. Sunderland’s attacking versatility, combined with their compact defensive shape, makes them overwhelming favourites. However, given Derby’s recent form and struggles in transition, a 2-0 scoreline feels realistic rather than overly ambitious.

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