Championship Clash: Derby County Pushes for Playoffs, West Brom Battles Relegation
Derby County will host West Bromwich Albion in a crucial EFL Championship fixture at Pride Park. Derby are firmly in contention for a playoff spot, while West Brom are desperately fighting to avoid relegation, positioned precariously close to the drop zone. With contrasting recent forms, this encounter promises to be a tense and pivotal match for both sides.
Match Background & Qualification Scenarios
Derby County will host West Bromwich Albion this Friday at Pride Park in a pivotal EFL Championship fixture. Derby currently sit in 10th place in the league standings, just two points shy of the playoff positions, as they push for a promotion playoff spot with aspirations of returning to the Premier League. The EFL Championship format sees the top two teams automatically promoted to the Premier League, while teams finishing from 3rd to 6th compete in a playoff for the final promotion spot. In stark contrast, West Bromwich Albion are in a precarious position, occupying 19th place and only three points above the relegation zone, embroiled in a desperate fight to avoid the drop to League One. West Brom recently underwent a managerial change, with Eric Ramsay taking over as head coach after Ryan Mason's departure, but his tenure began with back-to-back defeats, leaving the team in urgent need of a positive result. The bottom three teams in the league are relegated, underscoring the critical importance of every match for West Brom.
Recent Form
Derby County enters this fixture in good form, having won three of their last four league matches, including two away victories, and are aiming for a third consecutive win. Their recent Championship record stands at Draw, Loss, Win, Loss, Win, Win (D L W L W W). Despite some struggles at home, they have managed to score in each of their last 11 Championship home games. West Bromwich Albion, conversely, is experiencing a worrying run of form. They have lost eight of their previous ten league matches and are currently on a four-game losing streak in the Championship, with two of these defeats occurring under new manager Eric Ramsay. Their recent Championship form is Loss, Win, Loss, Loss, Loss, Loss (L W L L L L). Most notably, West Brom suffered a demoralizing 5-0 home defeat to Norwich City, which has severely impacted team morale.
Key Players & Injury News
For Derby County, despite injury concerns, several key players will be pivotal. Star striker Carlton Morris, who has scored 10 goals this season, is a significant attacking threat, though he is expected to be out until early February 2026 due to a knee injury. Max Johnston is sidelined with a hamstring injury until mid-February 2026, while Dion Sanderson is doubtful for this match due to shin splints and is expected back in early March 2026. Danny Batth is a doubt with a knock, and Matt Clarke will serve a one-match ban following a red card. Goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterström is hoping to recover from illness in time for the game. David Ozoh and Lewis Travis are expected to return from thigh and calf injuries respectively by late January 2026, boosting the midfield. West Bromwich Albion also faces numerous absences. Ousmane Diakite is out on compassionate leave, and Tammer Bany is out with a thigh injury until early February 2026. Defender Alex Williams is also expected to return in early February 2026 due to a broken ankle. Jayson Molumby and Krystian Bielik are anticipated to return in late January or early February 2026 from leg and ankle injuries, respectively. Alex Mowatt is also out with a foot injury. On the attacking front, Aune Heggebø is the team's top league scorer with 8 goals, and Michael Johnston leads the assist charts with 9. Jed Wallace and Aune Heggebø could be crucial figures for West Brom in their quest for a win.