Sheffield Wednesday vs Derby Predictions

Sheffield Wednesday vs Derby predictions for this Championship fixture. Sheffield Wednesday face Derby County at Hillsborough on New Year’s Day, both aiming to recover from recent defeats in this Championship showdown. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.

Championship | Jan 1, 2025 at 3pm UK at Hillsborough Stadium

Sheffield Wednesday vs Derby Predictions

Can Sheffield Wednesday Ground Derby County’s Rams at Hillsborough?

• Sheffield Wednesday’s Home Edge: The Owls have secured four victories in 12 home Championship matches this season, underlining their ability to perform in Yorkshire.
• Derby’s Travel Troubles: With just seven points collected away from Pride Park, Derby are among the Championship’s weakest travellers in the 2024-25 campaign.
• Key Player Influence: Josh Windass has been directly involved in Sheffield Wednesday’s last two goals, showcasing his importance in the Owls’ attack.

Our Tips

As the New Year dawns, Sheffield Wednesday and Derby County are set to clash in a Championship encounter at Hillsborough that carries considerable significance for both sides. The Owls are eager to recover from a difficult festive run, during which they have managed just a single point across two games. Meanwhile, Derby, returning to the Championship after promotion last season, are seeking to arrest their inconsistent form and secure a much-needed victory on the road.

Wednesday’s defeat at Preston last Sunday, despite a spirited second-half strike from Josh Windass, exposed their defensive frailties. Now 11th in the league table and some way off both the playoff spots and relegation danger, they face a Derby side whose away form has been woeful. Paul Warne’s Rams have picked up only seven points on the road this season and come into this match following a disappointing home loss to Leeds United.

The match promises to be an intriguing affair, with both teams desperate to start 2025 on the right foot. With Hillsborough providing a vociferous backdrop, the stakes are as high as the tension between these two clubs looking to assert themselves in the Championship standings.

Best Bet: Sheffield Wednesday to Win

Backing Sheffield Wednesday for victory here appears to be the most compelling choice. Despite their recent struggles, the Owls have shown resilience at home, with four wins in 12 games at Hillsborough, including a recent success against Stoke City. Derby, by contrast, have been abysmal travellers, boasting just one win away from home all season. With the Rams missing key defensive figures like Eiran Cashin and David Ozoh, their backline looks particularly vulnerable.

The Owls, while dealing with injuries of their own, have attacking options such as Josh Windass, who remains a consistent threat in front of goal. Their midfield, led by Barry Bannan, has shown flashes of creativity, and they should be able to control the tempo against a Derby side often struggling to impose themselves on the road.

Additionally, Derby’s porous defence, coupled with their tendency to falter in crucial away fixtures, makes this a favourable matchup for the home side. Sheffield Wednesday’s strength lies in their ability to capitalise on opportunities when playing in Yorkshire, and this game provides a perfect stage for them to bounce back from their loss at Preston.

As BettingTips4You.com’s expert John Pentin summarises: “With Derby’s poor away form and injury concerns at the back, Sheffield Wednesday have the tools to take advantage at home. The Owls’ attacking flair, combined with Hillsborough’s atmosphere, makes them the favourites for this clash.”

A home victory for Sheffield Wednesday is the standout wager, not only based on their comparative strengths but also on Derby’s glaring weaknesses when playing away from Pride Park.

Correct Score Prediction: Sheffield Wednesday 2-0 Derby County

A 2-0 scoreline in favour of Sheffield Wednesday aligns with the anticipated narrative of this match. While the Owls have struggled defensively, Derby’s lack of potency in attack when travelling suggests a clean sheet is within reach for the hosts, especially with Gabriel Otegbayo stepping into the backline with youthful enthusiasm. The Rams have often failed to mount consistent threats in the final third, particularly against organised home defences.

Wednesday’s attacking quartet, headlined by Windass, should have little trouble breaking through Derby’s depleted backline. A goal in each half seems likely, with the Rams succumbing to their familiar away woes. The tactical nous of Danny Rohl, combined with Hillsborough’s intimidating atmosphere, should see the Owls seize control early and maintain their advantage throughout.

This prediction supports the belief that Derby’s ongoing road struggles will once again come to the fore, leaving them unable to match Sheffield Wednesday’s intensity and quality.

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