Preston North End v Derby County betting tips: Rams to sink the Lilywhites again?

Rams boss Lampard has had a tough time of things with his squad in the build-up to the game, with a number of players battling to be fit in time for Friday night.

On-loan midfielder Mason Mount will miss the clash with a hamstring injury, and Ashley Cole isn’t quite fit enough to be a starter, though he may play some part if needed.

Jack Marriott had been suffering from an illness, but has trained this week and is in contention. Tom Lawrence, Craig Bryson and Scott Carson are also back in contention, although Lampard reports Carson is still struggling with his kicking.

Right back Jayden Bogle picked up a red card in the FA Cup tie last weekend so will miss out through suspension.

Key Battles

The main priority for Preston will be keeping Harry Wilson quiet. The young on-loan midfielder has been a revelation for the Rams this season, and is their top scorer with 10 league goals.

One way to stop Wilson is to prevent needless fouls around the box. The youngster has proven he’s a free-kick specialist. If there’s a dead-ball situation which can be struck at goal, he wouldn’t need a second invitation.

Derby will need to pay close attention to Alan Browne in the Lilywhites midfield, as he’s their most potent goal threat this campaign.

Like Wilson, the Irishman has netted 10 times already and will be looking to add to his tally. He’s also provided four assists, meaning he’s played a part in almost a third of their goals this season.

Derby are without their two first-choice right backs so that may be an area that Preston see as a weakness and look to attack down.

Match Odds

Both sides have looked strong in recent weeks, with the game very finely poised. Preston have the home advantage which puts them as favourites with our team at 13/10.

The Rams aren’t too far out and aren’t unfancied to get a result. Injuries may be the reason they’re sat as 21/10 underdogs.

Derby can look at this fixture with promise. They’ve won the last three against Preston to Nil. If you think they’ll win the game and prevent them from scoring, that’s 9/2 with our traders.

Marriott is favourite to open the scoring for Derby at 5/1, and he’s backed to score anytime at 7/4. Martyn Waghorn is also fancied at 7/1 to break the deadlock or 12/5 to score anytime.

Preston will be looking for someone to end their dry spell in front of goal against the Rams, and Jayden Stockley is favourite for that. He’s 11/2 to score first, or 2/1 to score anytime.

Click here for the latest Preston North End v Derby County odds.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publication.