Derby County vs Preston North End: Predictions, Betting odds, Lineups, Preview

• Preston backed to pick up their first away win of the season at Pride Park

• Recent meetings have been even, with Derby just edging the head-to-head over the last five encounters

• Lewis Dobbin scored a screamer last week, and will be keen to build on that here

Explore Ladbrokes’ detailed preview for Derby County vs Preston North End in the Championship. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 15:00 BST match.

• Fixture: Derby County vs Preston North End

• Date: Saturday, 20 September 2025

• Kick-off: 15:00 BST

• Venue: Pride Park Stadium

Match Prediction: Derby County 1-2 Preston North End

Derby's recent form has been a bit of a rollercoaster, but they've shown they can nick a win away from home. They'll need to be solid at the back against Preston, who've been decent at home but struggled on the road. If Derby can keep it tight and use their pace on the counter, they might just edge it.

Preston, on the other hand, have been a bit up and down but can be dangerous going forward. They'll fancy their chances against a Derby side that's been leaky at times. It'll be a close one, but Preston's attackers could be the difference if they can find their rhythm early.

Derby's recent results show they can compete but struggle to keep clean sheets. That 5-3 loss to Coventry at home will be a worry, but the win against West Brom shows they've got the fight. If they can tighten up at the back, they've got a chance here. Their overall form isn't great, but recent weeks have suddenly seen an upturn in performances - and results.

Recent Championship Results:

• Win: 1-0 vs West Bromwich Albion (A)

• Draw: 2-2 vs Ipswich Town (A)

• Draw: 1-1 vs Bristol City (H)

• Loss: 3-5 vs Coventry City (H)

• Loss: 1-3 vs Stoke City (A)

Preston have been solid at home, with wins against Ipswich and Leicester. Their away form is a bit patchy, but they've got the firepower to cause problems. If they can start strong and keep the pressure on, they should be able to get the win. It's all about finding that consistency for them.

Recent Championship Results:

• Draw: 2-2 vs Middlesbrough (H)

• Loss: 0-1 vs Portsmouth (A)

• Win: 1-0 vs Ipswich Town (H)

• Win: 2-1 vs Leicester City (H)

• Draw: 1-1 vs Queens Park Rangers (A)

Derby have had the upper hand recently, winning two of the last five meetings. However, Preston have shown they can get results against Derby, with a win and two draws in those encounters.

Recent Championship Results

• Derby County 2-0 Preston North End (02 Apr 2025)

• Preston North End 1-1 Derby County (23 Nov 2024)

• Derby County 1-0 Preston North End (02 Apr 2022)

• Preston North End 0-0 Derby County (16 Oct 2021)

• Preston North End 3-0 Derby County (20 Apr 2021)

• Corey Blackett-Taylor (Hamstring) - Doubt

• Curtis Nelson (Knee) - Doubt

• Sondre Langås (Knee) - Doubt

• Owen Beck (Muscle) - Doubt

• Rhian Brewster (Groin) - Doubt

• Robbie Brady (Calf) - Doubt

• Jordan Thompson (Ankle) - Doubt

• Will Keane (Calf) - Doubt

• Josh Seary (Knee) - Doubt

• Milutin Osmajić (Rib) - Doubt

• Bradley Potts (Muscle) - Doubt

• Predicted lineup: Zetterström, Sanderson, Clarke, Forsyth, Johnston, Travis, Adams, Elder, Clark, Brereton, Morris

With Blackett-Taylor out, Derby will need to rely on their pace on the wings to create chances. Their defence will need to be solid to keep Preston's attackers at bay.

• Predicted lineup: Iversen, Storey, Gibson, Hughes, Valentín, Devine, Whiteman, McCann, Small, Dobbin, Jebbison

Preston's predicted lineup shows they'll be looking to control the midfield and use their wingers to stretch the play. They'll need to be clinical in front of goal to take advantage of Derby's defensive frailties.

• Dion Sanderson vs Pol Valentín: A crucial battle on the flank that could end up deciding the game.

• Matt Clarke vs Lewis Dobbin: Both players will be key in their team's approach, and their confrontation will be crucial.

• Callum Elder (Derby County): Will need to be at his best to contain Preston's wingers while still looking to create.

• Alfie Devine (Preston North End): Could be the difference maker with his creativity in midfield.

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.