, Match Preview: Derby County vs Leeds United

Match Preview: Derby County vs Leeds United

New Leeds United manager Paul Heckingbottom is still searching for his first win in charge of the club, as the Whites face a tough trip to Derby County tomorrow night.

Ahead of the midweek round of fixtures, Derby currently sit 4th in the Championship table, three points adrift of Cardiff City, who occupy the final automatic promotion spot.

Leeds are now eight points behind sixth place Bristol City. The Whites have fallen to 11th in the table and will need a near-perfect run of form to have any chance of a play off spot come the end of the season.

FORM

Derby’s 12 game unbeaten run came to an emphatic end last week, as the Rams were defeated 2-0 by Sheffield Wednesday. Gary Rowett’s men remain unbeaten at home in the league since the 28th November and will be looking to continue that run tomorrow night.

Leeds still remain winless since their 2-1 triumph at Burton Albion on Boxing Day. Since Heckingbottom’s arrival at Elland Road, he has overseen one draw and one defeat in his two games in charge. The Whites will be looking to end a run of five games without a win on the road in all competitions.

TEAM NEWS

George Thorne will return to the Derby squad after missing the 2-0 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday with a back injury. Sam Winnall (knee) and Jamie Hanson (groin) both remain long term absentees.

Suspended Leeds trio Samuel Saiz, Liam Cooper and Gaetano Berardi will all return to the squad tomorrow after serving their respective bans. Luke Ayling, Conor Shaughnessy and January signing Tyler Roberts all remain sidelined with long term injuries. (Sky Sports)

HEAD TO HEAD

Tomorrow’s game will represent the 119th meeting between the two sides. Leeds boast the better record, winning on 54 occasions. The Whites have, however, won just once in their previous 11 visits to Pride Park. (11v11)

PREDICTION

After an excellent run of form which saw them unbeaten in 12, Derby are enduring a minor blip. Leeds will be particularly boosted by the return of Samu Saiz and their winless run can’t last forever. I think Leeds could nick it:

Derby County 1-2 Leeds United

 

Previous Article
, New Barnsley gaffer believes he is ‘a coach with vision’

New Barnsley gaffer believes he is 'a coach with vision'

Next Article
Bolton Wanderers

Bolton still focused on relegation battle

Related Posts