Derby vs Stoke predictions: Rams set for success in six-pointer
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- A win for 19th-placed Derby would secure their status as a Championship club
- The same is true for Stoke, who sit 18th, although even a loss would require a number of results to go against them for them to be relegated
- Recommended bet: Derby to win
It takes a lot for a game to be considered the most crucial on the final day of a Championship season, given the chaotic nature of England's second tier, but that is exactly what Derby's visit from Stoke represents.
Derby are sitting 19th in the Championship and anything less than a win could see them dragged into the bottom three. Stoke, meanwhile, should be fine even if they lose, they would need three results to go against them, but the Potters would rather not take that risk.
Saturday's clash at Pride Park promises to be full of drama, but it is the hosts who look likeliest to come away with all three points.
Team news
Ryan Nyambe, Lars-Jorgen Salvesen, David Ozoh, Dajaune Brown, Curtis Nelson and Jacob Widell Zetterstrom are certain absentees for Derby.
The hosts will also assess Jeff Hendrick, who was forced off in the win over Hull, and Callum Elder.
Stoke's Ben Pearson was forced off in last Friday's defeat at Sheffield United and could miss out alongside Jordan Thompson, Eric Bocat, Enda Stevens, Sol Sidibe and Michael Rose.
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The stats
Derby have lost just two of their last 10 matches, winning six times in that run.
Stoke have lost their last two games without scoring, being routed 6-0 by Leeds before being beaten 2-0 at Sheffield United.
The Rams have won three of their last five games at Pride Park, also drawing with promoted Burnley in that run.
Stoke have lost five of their last seven away matches.
Both teams to score has been a winning bet in just one of Derby's last 11 home games.
The Potters have netted just twice across their last four away matches.
Prediction
It is no surprise to see the relegation battle in the Championship has come down to the final weekend, but it is, however, a shock that Derby are actually in a better position than Stoke heading into judgement day.
The Potters were six points clear of the Rams and the relegation zone following John Eustace's first game in charge, a 4-0 defeat at QPR, but it is now Derby who have the upper hand.
Wins over West Brom and Hull mean that a victory on the final day would secure the Rams' safety, and they look a decent price to secure those crucial three points.
Of course, Stoke are in the same position, but it is hard to have faith in a side who have lost five of their last seven away matches, a run which has seen them ship 17 goals, getting anything from their trip to Pride Park.
Derby are tough to beat, losing just two of their last 10 matches, and coming off the back of crucial back-to-back victories, they should be taken to secure the win and leave Stoke anxiously watching the scores elsewhere.
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