Derby County vs Middlesbrough Prediction: Middlesbrough are favored to edge out Derby County with a predicted score of 3-1, showcasing their attacking prowess while capitalizing on the Rams’ defensive vulnerabilities.
The EFL Championship resumes this weekend with an intriguing matchup as Derby County host Middlesbrough at Pride Park Stadium. Both sides will be eager to secure three points and build momentum early in the new campaign.
Derby County vs Middlesbrough Lineups and Team News
Derby County
The Rams are hoping to have winger Corey Blackett-Taylor back in contention after he missed their opening fixture. However, midfielder Ebou Adams remains doubtful after picking up a knock against Blackburn.
Derby County Lineup: Vickers; Nelson, Wilson, Cashin, Elder; Ozoh, Goudmijn, Osborn; Collins, Mendez-Laing, Jackson
Middlesbrough
Michael Carrick is expected to hand a Championship debut to new signing Micah Hamilton after his impressive midweek display in the EFL Cup. The Boro boss will revert to his strongest XI after rotating for their cup tie.
Middlesbrough Lineup: Dieng; Clarke, Ayling, Van den Berg, Engel; McGree, Hackney; Jones, Morris, Azaz; Latte Lath
Injury Updates and Unavailable Players
Both Derby County and Middlesbrough are dealing with some injury concerns and unavailable players heading into this crucial Championship clash:
Derby County:
- Corey Blackett-Taylor: Doubtful – The winger is hoping to return to training before the match
- Ebou Adams: Doubtful – Picked up a slight injury during the loss at Ewood Park
- Jerry Yates: Suspended – Still serving a suspension from a red card received last season
- Tyrese Fornah: Unavailable – Recently moved to Salford City on a season-long loan
Middlesbrough:
No major injury concerns reported
Several players rested for the midweek cup tie are expected to return, including:
- Luke Ayling
- Finn Azaz
- Thomas Glover
Form Guide and Recent Results
Derby County suffered a disappointing 4-2 defeat away to Blackburn on the opening weekend, despite goals from Curtis Nelson and Kane Wilson. However, they bounced back with a 2-1 EFL Cup victory over Chesterfield in midweek.
Middlesbrough kicked off their campaign with a narrow 1-0 win against Swansea City, courtesy of Emmanuel Latte Lath’s penalty. They followed that up with an impressive 3-0 cup triumph at Leeds United on Wednesday.
Head-to-Head Record
Recent meetings between these sides have been closely contested affairs:
- Feb 2022: Middlesbrough 4-1 Derby County
- Aug 2021: Derby County 0-0 Middlesbrough
- Feb 2021: Derby County 2-1 Middlesbrough
- Nov 2020: Middlesbrough 3-0 Derby County
- Jan 2020: Middlesbrough 2-2 Derby County
Key Players to Watch
Derby County: Nathaniel Mendez-Laing – The experienced winger provided two assists against Blackburn and will be crucial to Derby’s attacking threat.
Middlesbrough: Emmanuel Latte Lath – The striker opened his account from the penalty spot last weekend and will be looking to add to his tally.
Match Preview and Prediction
Derby will be desperate to secure their first points of the season in front of their home fans. Paul Warne’s side showed attacking promise at Ewood Park but defensive frailties were exposed. They’ll need to tighten up at the back to have any chance against an in-form Middlesbrough outfit.
Boro have made an impressive start under Michael Carrick, looking solid defensively while also showing clinical finishing. Their midweek cup triumph will have further boosted confidence levels within the squad.
While Derby possess the quality to cause problems, Middlesbrough’s momentum and superior squad depth give them the edge. A close encounter is expected, but the visitors should have enough firepower to edge it.
Derby County vs Middlesbrough Prediction is Derby County 1-3 Middlesbrough
Where to Watch Live?
Fans can follow live updates via the clubs’ official channels or listen to radio commentary.
Derby County vs Middlesbrough Live Streaming and TV Schedule
- Great Britain: Sky Sports+
- Ireland Republic: Sky Sports+
Championship Standings
After the opening round of fixtures:
- Sheffield Wednesday – 3 pts
- Burnley – 3 pts
- Blackburn Rovers – 3 pts
- West Bromwich Albion – 3 pts
- Sunderland – 3 pts …
- Middlesbrough – 3 pts …
- Derby County – 0 pts
Data and Stats
Derby County
- Last 6 matches: LWLLWL
- Goals scored in last 6 matches: 2, 2, 1, 3, 0, 0
- Goals conceded in last 6 matches: 1, 4, 2, 4, 2, 4
Middlesbrough
- Last 6 matches: WWDWWW
- Goals scored in last 6 matches: 3, 1, 0, 5, 1, 1
- Goals conceded in last 6 matches: 0, 0, 0, 3, 0, 0
This early-season clash provides both teams an opportunity to climb the table and set the tone for their respective campaigns. With the Championship notorious for its competitiveness, every point will be crucial in the battle for promotion.
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