• After picking up just seven points from eight games, Derby start the weekend in 20th

• A disappointing start means 14th-placed Southampton are just three points better off

• Recommended bet: Draw

Despite being among the pre-season favourites for the Championship title, Southampton find themselves in a lowly 14th place heading into Saturday’s trip to Derby.

The Saints did secure their second league win of the season on Tuesday, though, and Will Still’s side will be looking to carry that momentum into this clash.

Derby are much lower than they would like to be but John Eustace’s side are often tough to break down at Pride Park and another frustrating afternoon could be on the cards for Southampton.

Team news

Corey Blackett-Taylor, Rhian Brewster, Liam Thompson and Sondre Langas are confirmed absentees for Derby, who may also have to do without Owen Beck as he continues to build up fitness. 

Samuel Edozie is Southampton’s only sidelined player, although left-back Welington will need to be assessed. 

Ross Stewart scored a brace at Sheffield United on Tuesday but his fitness remains a concern and he could lose his starting spot to Cameron Archer.

The latest Derby vs Southampton odds are available on LiveScore Bet

The stats

Derby have won just one of their eight Championship games.

Southampton have managed just one victory more than their hosts.

Both teams have drawn four league games this season.

Three of Derby’s four draws have finished 1-1.

Both teams to score has been a winning bet in each of the Saints’ last four games.

Derby have lost just three of their last 10 matches at Pride Park.

Prediction

Southampton’s 2-1 win at Sheffield United was a step in the right direction but consistency has been a real issue for the Saints and they are unlikely to follow up at Pride Park. 

Derby have made their home ground a fortress in recent months, losing just three of their last 10 games on their own patch, and they will not be fearing the Saints having already taken points off Ipswich, Bristol City, West Brom and Wrexham this term. 

The Rams also ran the new title favourites, Coventry, closer than most have this term when narrowly losing a thriller 5-3 and they look good value to hold Southampton to a draw on Saturday.

Derby are no strangers to a stalemate, drawing four of their last six league games, and with no Championship side seeing more games finish level than either them or the Saints, it makes sense to back the familiar outcome. 

Southampton do tend to fare better on the road, with seven of their 10 points being earned in away games, but Eustace has made Pride Park a difficult place to visit and Still’s men will have to settle for a draw. 

Back the draw at 41/20 with LiveScore Bet

The latest Derby vs Southampton odds are available on LiveScore Bet