A late winner for Derby County, saw John Eustace’s side grab all three points against West Bromwich Albion – ending a poor run of form at the start of the Championship season. As the Rams’ first win of the campaign, they will be looking to extend this form to back-to-back victories.
However, having turned Deepdale into a ‘fortress’ once more, Preston North End have defeated Leicester City, Ipswich Town and drawn with Middlesbrough on home soil. However, with away performances seeing just one point from a 1-1 draw against Queens Park Rangers. A Portsmouth defeat suggests that the Lilywhites can be susceptible to a poor outing on the road.
EFL Championship
Our Three Predictions for Derby County vs Preston North End
- First Prediction: Preston North End to win 29/10
- Second Prediction: Both teams to score – Yes 21/20
- Third Prediction: Carlton Morris to score anytime 37/20
Betting odds are correct at time of writing via MyriadPlay
First Prediction for Derby County vs Preston North End – Preston North End to win 29/10
Preston have been brilliant defensively, with a resolute nature in their back line. Jordan Storey has been particularly impressive, considering Odel Offiah’s arrival hugely threatening his position as North End’s starting right-sided centre-back. The Lilywhites are notorious for developing young talent on loan at the club; this season is no different. The attacking quality and rejuvenation under Paul Heckingbottom could be far too much for Eustace’s defence to handle.
PNE had a problem last season with a lack of creativity, despite being able to grind out draws. This nearly relegated them. However, so far this season, the Lilywhites have held their own against two newly-relegated Premier League sides as well as league leaders, Middlesbrough. Winning two of these – even they are yet to enjoy a victory away from Deepdale in the league – has given them great confidence in defence, but also going forward and creating chances when necessary.
At 21/10, it is nearly identical to backing a draw between the two. But, considering North End’s start to the season, this could be a perfect time to face a Eustace side struggling to consistently apply his defensive mould.
Second Prediction for Derby County vs Preston North End – Both teams to score – Yes 21/20
Despite the defensive solidity for the most part, Preston have conceded in all but one league game this season, against Ipswich. Prior to this recent West Brom shutout, Derby had also conceded in every Championship match. The Rams have also seen this bet be successful in both EFL Cup outings. Trends suggest that this could be a fairly high-scoring game, with an openness to the match expected.
Derby have been poor at home, losing 5-3 to Coventry in their first outing at Pride Park this season. This was an exceptional display of goalscoring from both sides, but inevitably neither could keep a clean sheet in such an affair. Easily, a repeat of a BTTS could be on the cards here, considering the form of both away and at home.
Third Prediction for Derby County vs Preston North End – Carlton Morris to score anytime 37/20
Carlton Morris has been a threatening asset for Derby, upon his Championship return. Having been relegated in back-to-back seasons with Luton Town, the striker has started a new second-tier campaign with four league goals.
The former Luton man can be once again expected to lead the line well for County, offering North End’s imperious defence a similar archetype to Kieffer Moore. The Lilywhites struggled against the latter in the final moments of an EFL Cup defeat to Wrexham, meaning a physical, tall striker is of great difficulty for Preston if deployed correctly.
Best Odds for Derby County vs Preston North End
| Bookmaker | Derby County | Draw | Preston North End |
| MyriadPlay | 6/5 | 2/1 | 21/10 |
| Gentleman Jim | 13/10 | 21/10 | 9/4 |
| Betarno | 5/4 | 2/1 | 85/40 |
Full Preview of the Game – Last Results and Head-to-Head
Both sides have played five matches in the league so far, with Preston and Derby each losing their second round EFL Cup ties. The Rams started their Championship season with a 3-1 defeat to Stoke City, while North End were held 1-1 by Queens Park Rangers. A 5-3 decimation by Coventry saw Eustace’s side beaten easily prior to a 1-1 stalemate with Bristol City. Since the Burnley defeat in the Carabao Cup, County have drawn 2-2 against Ipswich, and defeated West Brom 1-0.
Heckingbottom’s side have won against Leicester and Ipswich in tight affairs. Nearly winning another late on, Middlesbrough equalised late to gather a point at Deepdale in an entertaining 2-2 tie last weekend. A loss against Portsmouth is North End’s only league loss so far.
Head-to-head clashes have seen Derby win 11 of the last 19 meetings. Only three times have Preston defeated County in recent memory. A 2-0 home win for the Rams last season, saw Eustace’s side get the better of PNE.
Confrontation
Where to watch Derby County vs Preston North End
Where can I watch this weekend’s latest Championship clash, either on TV or in-person?
- Location: Pride Park Stadium, Derby
- Date: Saturday 20th September 2025
- Channel: Not available on TV
Probable Lineups for Derby County vs Preston North End
What sort of lineups can we expect for this matchday in the second tier?
Predicted Derby County Lineup:
- Lineup: J. Zetterström, C. Elder, C. Forsyth, M. Clarke, D. Sanderson, M. Johnston, B. Clark, L. Travis, E. Adams, C. Morris, A. Weimann
- Manager: John Eustace
- Injured/Suspended: O. Beck, S. Langas, C. Nelson, C. Blackett-Taylor
Predicted Preston North End Lineup:
- Lineup: D. Iversen, T. Small, A. Hughes, L. Gibson, J. Storey, P. ValentÃn, A. McCann, B. Whiteman, A. Devine, L. Dobbin, D. Jebbison
- Manager: Paul Heckingbottom
- Injured/Suspended: J. Seary, J. Thompson, B. Potts, R. Brady, W. Keane, M. Osmajic
Media Centre – News about Derby County vs Preston North End
Derby County – Official Twitter Page
Preston North End – Official Twitter Page
