Preston vs Derby Predictions

Preston vs Derby County Predictions for this Championship fixture. Preston North End host Derby County at Deepdale on Saturday, aiming to end their winless streak in a crucial Championship encounter in Lancashire. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.

Championship | Nov 23, 2024 at 3pm UK at Deepdale

Preston vs Derby Predictions

Will Grit or Guile Win the Day at Deepdale?

• Preston’s Home Defence: Despite their league struggles, Preston have drawn two of their last three home matches, showcasing resilience against stronger teams.
• Derby’s Away Weaknesses: The Rams have won only one of their eight away games this season, losing five and conceding over 1.2 goals per game on average.
• Draw Specialists: Between them, the two teams have drawn seven of their last 12 matches in the Championship, indicating a tight contest may be on the cards.

Our Tips

The stage is set for a fascinating Championship encounter at Deepdale as Preston North End host Derby County on Saturday. Both sides find themselves in need of a morale boost, albeit for different reasons. Preston are hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone, currently 20th in the table, while Derby sit mid-table in 12th, trying to turn their inconsistent form into a sustained push up the standings.

Preston’s recent performances have been a rollercoaster. Their last three matches included a hard-fought draw against league leaders Sunderland, a disappointing home loss to Bristol City, and a humbling 3-1 defeat at Portsmouth. Meanwhile, Derby’s form has been equally unpredictable. Despite a commendable 2-1 win at Coventry in their last away outing, draws have dominated their results, including their most recent stalemate at home to Plymouth. As such, this clash is as much about survival for Preston as it is about building momentum for Derby.

Best Bet: Preston to Win

Backing Preston North End for a victory stands out as the strongest play here. Their desperation for points, combined with Derby’s fragile away form, makes the hosts slight favourites in a contest likely to be closer than the odds suggest.

Preston’s position in the league table doesn’t fully reflect their performances at Deepdale. Although they have lacked consistency, their ability to disrupt stronger sides at home has been evident. Their disciplined draw against Sunderland, a team flying high at the top of the league, showcased their defensive organisation and ability to grind out results. In a match where pride and survival are on the line, Preston’s ability to rally in front of their home crowd could make all the difference.

Derby’s struggles on the road are a glaring concern. With just one away victory in eight attempts, their travels have been a source of frustration for manager Paul Warne. Despite their victory at Coventry, a result that showed they can occasionally defy expectations, their overall away record suggests vulnerability. Their defensive frailties, coupled with a lack of cutting edge, mean they are unlikely to dominate proceedings against a motivated Preston side.

It’s also worth noting that Derby’s propensity to draw matches—four in their last six—points to a lack of killer instinct. This inability to close out games could be their undoing against a Preston team that thrives on capitalising on such weaknesses.

As BettingTips4You.com expert Graham Hartshorn remarks: “Preston may not be the most glamorous side, but their grit and determination at Deepdale give them the edge. Derby’s away frailties only strengthen the case for a home win.”

Ultimately, Preston’s mix of defensive resilience and attacking potential, led by players like Emil Riis and Brad Potts, gives them the tools needed to secure all three points.

Correct Score Prediction: Preston North End 2-1 Derby County

In line with the prediction of a Preston victory, a 2-1 scoreline feels like the most plausible outcome. Both teams have shown they are capable of finding the net, but defensive vulnerabilities on either side suggest a close contest.

Preston’s home form and ability to disrupt stronger opponents will likely see them take the lead, with their physicality and pressing game putting Derby on the back foot. However, Derby’s attacking options, particularly through Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and James Yates, mean they are more than capable of clawing their way back into the game. This could lead to an open contest, where Preston edge it thanks to their determination and home support.

Derby’s record of conceding over a goal per game away from home reinforces the likelihood of a Preston win. However, the Rams’ knack for scoring in recent matches suggests they won’t go down without a fight. A 2-1 result reflects this dynamic—a competitive match, but one that tilts in favour of the hosts.

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