Derby County 0-1 Preston North End: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Coral’s post-match review of Derby County 0-1 Preston North End in the Championship on Saturday, 20 September 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Derby County's home defeat to Preston North End was a disappointing result, especially after their recent win against West Bromwich Albion. The game's only goal came from Alfie Devine in the 29th minute, which proved to be the decisive moment. Despite having a similar form coming into the match, with a win and two draws in their last three games, Derby couldn't find a way back into the game. The loss ends their brief unbeaten run and leaves them searching for answers as they look to climb the table.

Preston North End, on the other hand, will be pleased with their performance and result. The victory extends their unbeaten run to two games, following a draw against Middlesbrough. This win on the road against a competitive Derby side shows their resilience and ability to grind out results. Alfie Devine's goal was the highlight, and his performance will give Preston confidence as they continue their campaign.

The game's pivotal moment came in the 29th minute when Alfie Devine scored for Preston North End, giving them the lead they would hold until the final whistle. This goal was the result of a well-executed move, and it shifted the momentum firmly in Preston's favour. Derby tried to respond, making four substitutions throughout the match, but none could change the outcome.

Discipline was also a factor, with yellow cards shown to Derby's Dion Sanderson and Ebou Adams in the 55th and 75th minutes, respectively. These bookings added to the tension but did not directly impact the scoreline. Preston's Michael Smith received a late yellow card in injury time, but by then, the result was already decided.

Derby County lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Jacob Widell Zetterström in goal and a back three of Dion Sanderson, Matt Clarke, and Craig Forsyth. The midfield was anchored by Lewis Travis and Ebou Adams, with Max Johnston and Callum Elder on the flanks. Up front, Carlton Morris led the line, supported by Bobby Clark and Ben Brereton Díaz. The substitutions made by Derby, including Patrick Agyemang at halftime and Andreas Weimann in the 66th minute, were attempts to change the game's dynamics, but they couldn't find the equaliser.

Preston North End opted for a 3-5-2 formation, with Daniel Iversen between the posts and a back three of Jordan Storey, Lewis Gibson, and Andrew Hughes. The midfield was controlled by Ben Whiteman and Ali McCann, with Pol Valentín and Thierry Small providing width. Up top, Milutin Osmajic and Lewis Dobbin led the attack, with Alfie Devine playing a crucial role in midfield. The substitutions made by Preston, including Harrison Armstrong and Daniel Jebbison, helped maintain their lead and see out the game.

Alfie Devine is Coral’s Man of the Match for his standout performance against Derby County. His goal in the 29th minute was the decisive factor in the game, showcasing his ability to impact the scoreline directly. With two key passes, Devine also played a role in creating opportunities for his teammates, demonstrating his all-around contribution to Preston's victory.

• Loss: 0-1 vs Preston North End (H)

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

• Draw: 2-2 vs Ipswich Town (A)

• Draw: 1-1 vs Bristol City (H)

• Win: 1-0 vs Derby County (A)

• Draw: 2-2 vs Middlesbrough (H)

• Loss: 0-1 vs Portsmouth (A)

• Win: 1-0 vs Ipswich Town (H)

Derby County now find themselves in 21st place with 5 points, and their next challenge is against Wrexham, who sit in 16th with 7 points, on September 27, 2025 at 11:30. This result against Preston will likely prompt Derby to focus on improving their attacking play and finding more consistency in their performances as they aim to move up the table.

Preston North End have climbed to 5th place with 11 points, and they face a tough test against Bristol City, who are in 3rd with 11 points, on September 27, 2025. This victory will boost their confidence, and they will look to maintain their momentum and solidify their position in the top half of the table.

• West Brom Vs Leicester City

• Coventry Vs Birmingham

• Wrexham Vs Derby County

• Swansea Vs Millwall

• Ipswich Town Vs Portsmouth

• Charlton Vs Blackburn Rovers

• Southampton Vs Middlesbrough

• Sheffield Wednesday Vs QPR

• Stoke City Vs Norwich City

• Preston Vs Bristol City

• Watford vs Hull City

• Oxford Utd Vs Sheffield United

Coral brings you the most exciting offers to enhance your experience.

For the best Championship outright predictions, explore our guide.

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