While all attention is always on the premier league and all the attraction and excitement it brings, the championship league is still fought for fiercely. There is just one ultimate price in the league and that is to progress to the premier league at the end of the season. While Leeds, Norwich, and Sheffield United seem to be leading the charge, Derby County would be hoping to make a difference. They have a chance to do so when they meet Preston North End in the championship league.
Derby County
Derby County is a team who would be looking to make a difference as soon as possible. They are currently on the fringes on the promotion battle and a win here today could cement their status as one of the contenders for the 3rd place. Derby County has managed to amass about 46 points from the first 28 matches that have been played. They would be looking to increase the impact on the league when they meet Preston North End. While Derby County nurses high hopes for the league, this is not the same for Preston North End.
Preston North End
Preston North End have effectively nothing to play for at the moment. They are many points away from the relegation zone but just too far off from the promotion places to make any sort of challenge this season. They have played 29 matches so far this season and their position in the league this season is 16th. They would be welcoming Derby County into their home stadium. They would know that it would certainly not be an easy game for sure
Form
The form of both teams is almost identical in the league. Preston has won two matches out of their last six games. These wins have come in their last two games against Stoke and QPR in the Sky Bet Championship. The other matches have ended up in two draws and two wins. The two games winning streak would give them some confidence when going forward in this game.
Derby County, on the other hand, has also won two games out of the last six. In addition, those two games have also come in their last two matches against Accrington and Reading in the championship. Their remaining matches have ended in three draws and a single loss. They would be hoping to improve on their recent performances and a match against Preston would present the perfect opportunity.
Injuries
Preston would be expecting the comeback of their captain Tom Clarke when they visit Derby County. They would, however, miss the services of Louis Moult as he is currently out with an injury to his hamstring. Callum Robinson and Billy Bodin are also out with injuries sustained. Derby County would be without Jayden Bogle. This is due to the suspension which he is currently serving. Also, Andre Wisdom would not play a part in this game as he is currently out with an injury
It promises to be a very interesting game. Derby County would want to win so you can definitely expect a very open game.