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Derby vs West Brom Championship Preview: Rams Eye Victory Over Struggling Baggies
Friday night brings a compelling Championship encounter as Derby County host West Bromwich Albion at Pride Park, with both sides aiming to bolster their league positions. The match promises high stakes, particularly for West Brom, who are desperate to recover from a devastating midweek defeat.
West Brom's Turmoil Under New Management
West Brom travel to Derby in a state of crisis following their humiliating 5-0 home thrashing by fellow strugglers Norwich City on Tuesday. This result marked new boss Eric Ramsey's second consecutive defeat since taking charge, with the nature of the collapse – conceding four second-half goals – particularly alarming.
Expectations were high for West Brom this season after finishing just four points outside the play-offs last term, but their campaign has unravelled dramatically. They currently languish in 19th place, a mere three points above the relegation zone after 28 games. Their precarious position has seen their relegation odds shorten significantly with leading football betting sites.
The club's troubles prompted the sacking of previous manager Ryan Mason on 6 January after a tenth straight away defeat at Leicester City. Ramsey, formerly of Minnesota United, has inherited a squad low on confidence, with his tenure beginning with losses to Middlesbrough and now Norwich.
Derby's Resurgent Form and Home Ambitions
In contrast, Derby County approach the fixture with growing momentum. Sitting tenth in the table with ten more points than their opponents, the Rams secured a valuable 2-1 away victory at Charlton Athletic on Tuesday. They have won three of their last six matches across all competitions, including successes against Middlesbrough, Preston North End, and Charlton.
While Derby's home form has been patchy – losing their last two at Pride Park to Wrexham and Leeds United in the FA Cup, and waiting until 21 October for their first home league win – they have shown significant improvement overall. From winning just two of their opening twelve games, they have since claimed ten victories to move within two points of the play-off places.
Historical Dominance and Season Encounters
The historical record heavily favours Derby in this fixture. West Brom are without a win in their last seven meetings with the Rams, drawing two and losing five. Their most recent victory came in July 2020 with a 2-0 win at an empty Hawthorns. You have to go back to August 2003 for West Brom's last triumph at Pride Park, a 1-0 win secured by Rob Hulse.
Indeed, that remains West Brom's only victory at Derby in 32 attempts dating back to 1920, with 12 draws and 19 defeats completing a dismal sequence. The sides have already met twice this season: Derby won a League Cup tie on penalties after a 1-1 draw, followed by a 1-0 league victory in September courtesy of Andreas Weimann's late goal.
Key Betting Tips and Predictions
Derby to Win – 8/5 with BetMGM
With West Brom reeling from their midweek humiliation and Derby building form, the Rams appear well-placed to exploit their opponents' fragility. Betting apps are offering attractive prices on a home victory, which seems a prudent selection given the contrasting trajectories of both clubs.
Patrick Agyemang to Score – 29/10 with Ladbrokes
Derby's £7m summer signing from Charlotte FC has adapted impressively to English football, netting seven goals in 24 Championship appearances. However, he has scored just once at home – his first for the club back in October – and will be eager to add to that tally. His last five goals have all been the first of the game, making him a lively anytime scorer prospect.
Team News and Absences
Derby County: The Rams will be without striker Carlton Morris and defender Max Johnston due to injury, while Matt Clarke serves a suspension following his red card at Charlton. Goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom is expected to return after illness.
West Bromwich Albion: The Baggies remain without midfielder Ousmane Diakite (compassionate leave), while Tammer Bany and Alex Williams are injured. Williams is nearing a return but is unlikely to feature.
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