In a clash that could swing the momentum of their Championship campaigns, Preston North End and Derby County find themselves on opposite trajectories heading into their encounter at Deepdale on January 17, 2026. Preston sits solidly in fourth place, looking to cement a playoff position with their eyes set firmly on promotion. Conversely, Derby languishes in mid-table obscurity, battling to claw back into the competitive fold as they sit precariously at 13th with aspirations of reaching the top ten.
This match holds significant implications for both clubs. A win for Preston could see them leapfrog closer to automatic promotion places, while Derby desperately needs three points to stave off any further stagnation in an already disappointing season. Both teams are aware: points are paramount.
Predicted Lineups: GK: Daniel Iversen, DEF: Andrew Hughes, Jordan Storey, Odeluga Offiah; MID: Thierry Small, Benjamin Whiteman, Alistair McCann, Alfie Devine; FWD: Lewis Dobbin, Milutin Osmajić. GK: Jacob Widell Zetterström, DEF: Matthew Clarke, Dion Sanderson, Danny Batth; MID: Callum Elder, Bobby Clark; FWD: Ben Brereton Díaz, Patrick Agyemang.
As we dive deeper into each team's recent form and statistics-hold on tight! For Preston's last five matches present a mixed bag: two wins alongside two losses and a frustrating draw indicate inconsistency despite promising performances. The standout feature? Their dominance in possession-clocking up an impressive 68% against Wigan, but failing to convert that control into meaningful goal scoring opportunities has raised eyebrows. They could be forgiven for feeling aggrieved after controlling the match yet falling short when it came down to finishing touches.
Now flip the script over to Derby County-they're reeling from a lackluster string of results with three defeats in their last five outings. What's more alarming is that in those matches against Leeds and Wrexham combined-a total of just three goals scored yet conceding six-underscores a defensive frailty that manager Paul Warne must rectify immediately if they're serious about making any kind of impact this season.
Let's peel back the layers using statistics: Preston's average shots per game show they've had chances (averaging over 10), but conversion remains an Achilles' heel with only eight goals scored across their last five fixtures! Their expected goals tally hints they might be due for a breakout performance if they can just find clinicality in front of goal-this translates directly onto Derby's woes given they've conceded far too many easy opportunities as indicated by their defensive lapses leading to an average xG against hovering above two per game lately.
Both squads harbor players capable of turning tides. Keep your eyes peeled for Preston's own rising star in Lewis Dobbin, who netted twice recently against Bristol City-the young forward has notched up four goals this campaign and possesses that sprightly agility capable of catching any defense off guard. For Derby County? All eyes will be on Cameron Morris, their tenacious attacker who's established himself as the spearhead amid struggles-his ability to create space has often saved his team from complete chaos.
The statistical battle doesn't end there; diving into head-to-head history gives us additional context. When these two squared off earlier this season at Pride Park, it was Preston who walked away victorious thanks to an early strike from Alfie Devine-a reminder that confidence matters massively going into rematches like this one!
Additionally crucial is how both teams execute tactical formations; expect Preston's structured setup (often deploying a 3-4-3 formation) aiming to exploit width through small yet skilled players like Thierry Small. In contrast, Derby may adapt defensively but seem likely to revert towards utilizing a flat midfield setup aimed at counterattacking play through transitional moments led by pacey forwards such as Ben Brereton Díaz.
What's evident here? Possession alone doesn't guarantee success-just look at the discrepancy between Derby's ball retention versus tangible impact derived from it across matches this season! With previous defensive weaknesses outed for both sides manifesting unpredictability prior kick-off-a draw feels imminent unless one side truly finds its attacking stride first.
Here lies my call-the signs lead towards a narrow win for Preston North End. Despite their inconsistency recently still showing flickers of quality paired with home advantage should prove decisive here. It's time for them finally to capitalize fully and smash through that barrier of missed chances before another opportunity evaporates right before them!
Brace yourselves for what should be nothing short of an electric atmosphere fueled by hopefulness wrapped around ambition-it's going to be all-out warfare come kickoff!