Derby vs Preston predictions: Resurgent Rams can boost survival hopes
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- Derby have won their last three Championship fixtures
- Preston have failed to score in three of their last five matches
- Recommended bet: Derby to win
Derby have dragged themselves back into Championship survival contention and have the chance to climb out of the drop zone when hosting mid-table Preston.
It is getting tight towards the lower end of the table and there will be a few clubs concerned about third-bottom Derby, who have reeled off three successive wins for the first time this season.
The Rams are two points inside the relegation zone but they landed a huge three points last time out when winning 3-2 at fellow strugglers Plymouth.
Preston can look forward to a more comfortable finish to the season having pulled nine points clear of the bottom three.
Paul Heckingbottom’s side were the last EFL club involved in the FA Cup but their adventure came to an end on Sunday with a 3-0 loss at home to Aston Villa.
Team news
Derby manager John Eustace has a couple of extra options to consider after snapping up left-back Erik Pieters and midfielder Jeff Hendrick from the free agent market.
However, the Rams will have to plan without Ben Osborn (hamstring), Curtis Nelson (knee) and David Ozoh (thigh), who are not expected to feature for the rest of the campaign.
Preston are stretched with Freddie Woodman (ankle), Brad Potts (hamstring), Ali McCann and Jack Whatmough (both calf) sidelined.
However, Kaine Kesler-Hayden is available after missing out against his parent club, Aston Villa, at the weekend.
Ryan Ledson is available after serving an FA Cup suspension while Ryan Porteous (cup-tied) also returns to contention.
Milutin Osmajic (hip) came off the bench against Villa and is pushing for a start.
The stats
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Derby led at half-time and went on to win in each of their last three matches.
The Rams have registered eight of their 10 league victories at Pride Park.
Seven of Derby’s last eight home games have featured less than three goals.
Preston have won only one of their last seven Championship matches.
North End have kept just one clean sheet on their last six road trips.
Two of Preston’s last three league losses have been by a 2-1 scoreline.
Prediction
Derby established a winning habit before the international break and can maintain it by defeating Preston at Pride Park.
Eustace’s side picked up a second away win of the season when Marcus Harness’s double contributed to a 3-2 triumph over Plymouth.
But the East Midlands side have been more effective on home soil and should fancy their chances against Preston, who have not had much time to recover since Sunday’s FA Cup defeat.
The Lilywhites have won only three times on their Championship travels and look like ideal opponents for Derby, who look overpriced to register a vital victory.
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