With eight games to save their second-tier status, a resurgent Derby County will welcome Preston North End to Pride Park for a Championship battle on Wednesday night.
The Rams are well-rested following the final international break of the season, whilst the Lilywhites were in action over the weekend, losing to Aston Villa in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Match preview
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After a narrow defeat at the base of Middlesbrough on March 1, Derby County were in serious danger of being cut adrift at the foot of the Championship, but a miraculous change of fortunes prior to the international pause has allowed Wednesday's hosts to climb back into survival contention.
Back-to-back Pride Park successes over playoff hopefuls Blackburn Rovers and Coventry City for the Rams were followed by a major victory at the home of a relegation rival last time out, when a Marcus Harness brace was the standout storyline of a much-needed 3-2 scoreline against Plymouth Argyle.
Collecting a maximum of nine points from their last three second-tier contests, Derby have moved up to 22nd place in the Championship rankings, two points behind Cardiff City in the safety of 21st, with the East Midlands club having played a game fewer than their fellow strugglers.
After securing three straight competitive wins for the first time since April 2024, the Rams are now aiming to make it three wins in a row at Pride Park, where John Eustace's troops have picked up eight of their 10 Championships wins to date, earning 27 points from 19 matches at the venue.
Still walking a financial tightrope, Derby have been forced to rummage through the free agent market in recent times, with Kemar Roofe, Jeff Hendrick and Erik Pieters all arriving at Pride Park since the close of the January transfer window, adding experience and positive characters to the squad.
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With only Manchester City left in the competition out of England's 'Big Six' at the quarter-final stage, Preston would have sensed a major opportunity as they took to the field against Aston Villa in the FA Cup on Sunday to continue their quest for a first major trophy since 1938.
However, the Villans' Champions League quality shone through during the second period following a goalless opening 45 minutes at Deepdale, where a Marcus Rashford brace and an effort from Jacob Ramsey secured progression into a Wembley semi-final for Unai Emery's troops.
Chris Kavanagh's final whistle on the weekend essentially signalled the end of any tangible Preston glory this season, with Paul Heckingbottom's side fading from playoff contention in recent weeks, with Wednesday's visitors sitting in 14th place in the Championship table.
Whilst the Lilywhites continue to be part of the furniture in England's second tier, there will be plenty of planning from head coach Paul Heckingbottom ahead of next season, when the former Sheffield United boss will aim to guide his side towards a fight at the top end of the division.
Preston are winless across their last three meetings with Derby in the Championship, with the 2022 edition of this fixture ending in defeat for the Lilywhites at Pride Park, where ex-Manchester United star Ravel Morrison netted a winner after both teams had been reduced to 10 men.
Team News
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After bagging a brilliant brace at Home Park last time out, Derby attacker Harness should retain his spot in the attack alongside Jerry Yates.
The Rams have a number of first-team stars who are sidelined for the remainder of the campaign, including Ben Osborn (hamstring), Curtis Nelson (knee) and David Ozoh (thigh).
Preston suffered a major injury blow during the international break, with goalkeeper Freddie Woodman picking an ankle problem whilst working out in the gym.
As a result, veteran Welshman David Cornell will be trusted in between the sticks for the remainder of the season after starting only his third match of 2024-25 on Sunday versus Aston Villa.
The Lilywhites are battling on without the suspended Sam Greenwood and injured Alistair McCann, who has not featured since the beginning of March.
Derby County possible starting lineup:
Zetterstrom; Phillips, Clarke, Forsyth; Wilson, Adams, Armstrong, Thompson, Elder; Harness, Yates
Preston North End possible starting lineup:
Cornell; Storey, Gibson, Hughes; Brady, Thordarson, Whiteman, Frokjaer-Jensen, Meghoma; Osmajic, Jakobsen
We say: Derby County 2-1 Preston North End
After a well-earned break during the international pause, Derby should be ready and raring to record another second-tier maximum on Wednesday night.
Preston's season is effectively over after their defeat to Villa in the FA Cup, and the Lilywhites could be slightly off the boil at Pride Park.
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Carter White
