Derby set to win big Championship clash

On New Year’s Day, Derby and Sheffield United go head-to-head at the I-Pro Stadium in a top of the table Championship clash.

Derby have emerged as real promotion contenders in the last few weeks under highly-rated boss Gary Rowett. The Rams currently sit second in the table but are just a point clear of Bristol City and Cardiff City in third and fourth place respectively in the league.

An unbeaten run of six games in the Championship, five of which County have won has seen their rise into the automatic promotion positions. Last time out, the Rams recorded a 2-1 win at Ipswich Town.

Rowett’s side have been solid in defence of late, having kept clean sheets in five of their last six Championship games, conceding just once in the process.

The Rams have also won four of their last five league games on home soil, keeping clean sheets in all four victories.

Sheffield United have dropped to sixth in the table after a poor run of results of late in the Championship. However, the Blades are still just six points behind the home side in the race for automatic promotion.

A run of five defeats in their last eight league outings have hindered Chris Wilder’s side’s promotion chances. Last time out, the visitors suffered a disappointing 1-0 home defeat against strugglers Bolton at Bramall Lane.

The Yorkshire side’s recent Championship games have been relatively high scoring, with over 2.5 goals scored in seven of their last ten league games.

The Blades recent away form in the second tier has been poor, as they have lost three of their last five games on their travels, recording just one victory in the process.

Forebet predicts that the Rams recent good form will continue with a home win in this clash, as Gary Rowett’s side attempt to consolidate their position in the automatic promotion spots.