Derby County know that they are just 90 minutes away from a return to the Championship if they are able to draw or better on the final day of the season. Furthering that, Bolton Wanderers dropping points would also see them automatically promoted.
Carlisle United will however be looking to spoil their promotion party with manager and ex-Derby player Paul Simpson insisting that he wants to go out with some pride. It’s been a truly torrid season for the Cumbrians, yet a win on the final day may at least give the fans some hope for League Two next season.
Obviously, the Blues have nothing to play for at this point of the season with their relegation confirmed a number of weeks ago. Therefore it could potentially be seen as an easy option for the Rams to pick up a final three points of the season and in turn, achieve automatic promotion to the Championship.
Paul Warne’s side go into the final day of the season on a five-match unbeaten run and it’s their recent form which has kept them in second. They’re in far better form than their opponents, who in the same spell have just three points. Nonetheless, Warne’s players cannot be complacent as Carlisle have caused an upset or two this season, notably beating both Bolton Wanderers and Peterborough United away from home.
It’ll have to be a professional performance from the players with what’s on line for Derby but they should have the necessary firepower, as well as experience in their squad.
With that in mind, here’s how two of The Real EFL’s writing team see the game panning out…
“Derby technically couldn’t have an easier final day of the season with Carlisle being the bottom side and dead and buried quite a few weeks ago. Nonetheless the players still need to be in the right mindset as they are not a complete walkover.
“Carlisle’s away form is actually better than their form at home which does increase their chances of getting something from this. They’ve also not totally disgraced themselves against some of the league’s top sides but then again, are bottom of the league for a reason.
“I can actually see some nerves amongst the Derby players and Carlisle could well go one up. Could an upset be on the cards? Probably not and the Rams easily possess the firepower to outscore their opponents. Although they may be nervy in the early stages, a packed out crowd should lift the players and I see them confirmed as a Championship side by Saturday afternoon.”
Derby County 2-1 Carlisle United
“Paul Warne’s Derby look all but up in that coveted second automatic promotion spot, but funnier things have happened in football.
“Carlisle will want to bow out of their terrible League One season with some pride attached, with Paul Simpson’s sinking straight back down to the fourth tier after just one disastrous campaign at the level.
“But, with the passionate Rams home support getting behind their team from minute one, you would anticipate that Derby would be able to get one final win out of their system before Championship football beckons. It’s all in the opening exchanges in this contest, with Carlisle potentially playing on Derby nerves if they can. They have won away at Bolton and Peterborough this season!”
Derby County 3-1 Carlisle United
