Derby – Preston

Derby host Preston in a tight relegation‑battle clash, with both sides languishing in the bottom half of the table. Sitting 22nd with four points from seven games – a solitary win, a draw and five defeats – Derby have struggled to find the net, managing just six goals while conceding 13. Preston sit one spot below them in 23rd place, also on four points but with a slightly worse record of one win and six losses, mirroring Derby’s 6‑13 goal difference. The two clubs have each taken just a single victory this season, meaning the encounter could prove decisive for any hope of climbing out of the drop zone. A win for either side would not only narrow the gap but also provide a much‑needed morale boost as the campaign heads into its crucial second half.