Derby County vs Preston North End: Predictions, Betting odds, Lineups, Preview

• Derby County tipped to extend unbeaten run with a 1-0 home win

• When these two sides meet, it is rare for both teams to score

• Carlton Morris has started the season brightly, and will be a key focal point again for the Rams

Explore Coral’s detailed preview for Derby County vs Preston North End in the Championship. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 15:00 BST match.

• Fixture: Derby County vs Preston North End

• Date: Saturday, 20 September 2025

• Kick-off: 15:00 BST

• Venue: Pride Park Stadium

Match Prediction: Derby County 1-0 Preston North End

Derby County's recent form suggests a team capable of grinding out results, as evidenced by their win against West Bromwich Albion and draws against strong sides like Ipswich Town and Bristol City. They will likely look to exploit their home advantage, focusing on a solid defensive structure while seeking opportunities on the counter.

Preston North End, on the other hand, have shown resilience, particularly at home, with wins against Ipswich Town and Leicester City. Their ability to draw against Middlesbrough and Queens Park Rangers indicates a team that can compete but may struggle to break down a well-organised Derby side.

Given Derby's recent performances and their home advantage, they might just edge this encounter. Preston's away form has been less convincing, and Derby's defensive solidity could be the deciding factor in a closely contested match.

Derby County's recent form has been mixed, with a notable win against West Bromwich Albion away from home, showcasing their ability to secure crucial victories. However, their home form has been less impressive, with a heavy loss to Coventry City and a draw against Bristol City.

This inconsistency at home could be a concern, but their ability to draw against strong teams like Ipswich Town suggests they can hold their own against quality opposition. If Derby can replicate their defensive resilience from the West Brom game, they stand a good chance of securing a positive result against Preston.

Recent Championship Results:

• Win: 1-0 vs West Bromwich Albion (A)

• Draw: 2-2 vs Ipswich Town (A)

• Draw: 1-1 vs Bristol City (H)

• Loss: 3-5 vs Coventry City (H)

• Loss: 1-3 vs Stoke City (A)

Preston North End have shown a strong home record, with wins against Ipswich Town and Leicester City, indicating their capability to perform well against top teams. However, their away form has been less convincing, with a loss to Portsmouth and a draw against Queens Park Rangers.

This suggests that Preston might struggle to impose themselves at Derby's ground. If they can carry over their home form and maintain their resilience, they could challenge Derby, but their recent away performances indicate a potential struggle.

Recent Championship Results:

• Draw: 2-2 vs Middlesbrough (H)

• Loss: 0-1 vs Portsmouth (A)

• Win: 1-0 vs Ipswich Town (H)

• Win: 2-1 vs Leicester City (H)

• Draw: 1-1 vs Queens Park Rangers (A)

Historically, Derby County have had the upper hand in recent encounters with Preston North End, securing two wins and two draws in their last five meetings. Preston's only victory in this period came in April 2021, suggesting Derby might have a psychological edge going into this match.

Recent Championship Results

• Derby County 2-0 Preston North End (02 Apr 2025)

• Preston North End 1-1 Derby County (23 Nov 2024)

• Derby County 1-0 Preston North End (02 Apr 2022)

• Preston North End 0-0 Derby County (16 Oct 2021)

• Preston North End 3-0 Derby County (20 Apr 2021)

• Corey Blackett-Taylor (Hamstring) - Doubt

• Curtis Nelson (Knee) - Doubt

• Sondre Langås (Knee) - Doubt

• Owen Beck (Muscle) - Doubt

• Rhian Brewster (Groin) - Doubt

• Robbie Brady (Calf) - Doubt

• Jordan Thompson (Ankle) - Doubt

• Will Keane (Calf) - Doubt

• Josh Seary (Knee) - Doubt

• Milutin Osmajić (Rib) - Doubt

• Bradley Potts (Muscle) - Doubt

• Predicted lineup: Zetterström, Sanderson, Clarke, Forsyth, Johnston, Travis, Adams, Elder, Clark, Brereton, Morris

Derby's predicted lineup suggests a focus on defensive solidity with Forsyth, Clarke, and Sanderson at the back, while the inclusion of Morris and Clark indicates an intent to exploit counter-attacking opportunities.

• Predicted lineup: Iversen, Storey, Gibson, Hughes, Valentín, Devine, Whiteman, McCann, Small, Dobbin, Jebbison

Preston's predicted lineup shows a balanced approach, with Whiteman and McCann providing stability in midfield, and the attacking pair of Dobbin and Jebbison aiming to create scoring chances.

• Dion Sanderson vs Thierry Small: Sanderson's defensive prowess will be crucial in containing Small's attacking runs.

• Lewis Travis vs Ben Whiteman: Travis's energy and tackling will be tested against Whiteman's composure and distribution.

• Callum Elder (Derby County): Elder's ability to provide width and defensive stability will be key for Derby.

• Lewis Dobbin (Preston North End): Dobbin's pace and creativity could be the difference-maker for Preston in this match.

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.