Derby vs Sheffield United predictions: Blades ready to cut Rams down to size
&w=707&quality=100)
- Sheffield United need to bounce back from a surprise 3-0 home defeat to Hull
- A dramatic form slump has sent Derby into the Championship relegation zone
- Recommended bet: Sheffield United to win
Sheffield United’s hopes of an immediate return to the Premier League suffered a setback last week when Chris Wilder’s side unexpected lost 3-0 at home to Hull City, but a visit to Derby County could be perfectly timed for the Championship promotion chasers.
The Rams have a relegation fight on their hands as six straight defeats have pushed them into the bottom three and Paul Warne’s side face a massive task to avoid another loss against one of the second-tier’s top teams.
Team news
Derby winger Corey Blackett-Taylor is struggling with a hamstring issue, while Callum Elder and Nat Phillips are also doubtful for the Rams.
Kane Wilson, Dajaune Brown and Curtis Nelson have all been ruled out.
The Blades will be without suspended playmaker Gustavo Hamer while Oliver Arblaster (knee) and Keiffer Moore (hernia) are both sidelined.
However, recent signings Tom Cannon, Hamza Choudhury and Harry Clarke will all hope to be involved.
The stats
Derby have lost their last six Championship matches and have failed to score in this last three league games at Pride Park.
United have won four of their last five second-tier away matches and there have been over 2.5 goals in six of their last eight league away games.
The Rams have scored more than once in just five of their 29 league matches this season, while both teams have scored in five of the Blades’ last 14 Championship games.
Prediction
There have not been many upsets for United to cope with as they look to make the step back up to the Premier League, but a 3-0 home loss to Hull should have sharpened the Blades’ focus for Saturday’s trip to struggling Derby.
Monday’s draw between their chief rivals Leeds and Burnley meant there was not a great deal of damage done, but Chris Wilder’s side will want to get back on the winning trail and should take confidence from having claimed four wins in their last five away matches.
Those successes, against Millwall, Cardiff, Watford and Swansea, were punctuated by a defeat at Sunderland, but that Stadium of Light reverse has been their only loss in nine on the road.
All this is bad news for Derby, who are in danger of leaving the division via the other exit as six straight defeats have left Warne’s side in the bottom three.
The Rams have failed to score in their last three Championship outings at Pride Park and they are unlikely to be allowed any respite when they entertain the Blades on Saturday.
Win up to £250,000 with LiveScore 6!
Win up to £250,000 with our free-to-play game, LiveScore 6!
