If you’re looking for Leeds vs Derby prediction and betting tips, you’re at the right place. We’re now going to discuss the Friday’s duel between two Championship sides with Premier League ambitions. Leeds are the current table leaders, while Derby are at the 6th place, the last of the playoff spots. Both teams are in need of points and that promises a very entertaining duel at Elland Road!
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 06: Jack Harrison of Leeds United during the FA Cup Third Round match between Queens Park Rangers and Leeds United at Loftus Road on January 6, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Leeds United
According to Transfermarkt and other prominent sites that deal with player market values, Leeds is not the richest club in the Championship. Actually, this club is at the 7th place on the list of the most valuable clubs in the second English tier. So, the question is why have Leeds players been doing so great this season?
The answer is that they’re led by one of the best managers, not just in the league but the entire world. The man in question is Marcelo Bielsa, who used to be in charge of a number of very prominent teams, including Athletic Bilbao and Marseille. And before that, he was in charge of national teams of Chile and Argentina.
With so much experience it’s rather strange that Bielsa has decided to lead a Championship club. But, he has no intention to stay in the second tier for too long. He’s set his eyes on the Premier League. In the first half of the season, he and his boys did really great. Leeds are currently on the top of the table, with 12 points away from Nottingham Forrest, the team that’s on the 7th place, which is the closest position that does not qualify for the playoffs.
All of this means that unless something really strange happens, we’re probably going to see Leeds in the promotion race. Of course, this team would like to go to the Premier League directly, without the need to play the playoffs. But, to do that, they will need to finish the season at one of 2 top spots. It’s not going to be easy, but they’ll surely give their best. And that means that they’re going to attack Derby with all they got!
Derby County
Derby County are traveling to Leeds hoping to cash in on the poor form of the table leaders. Leeds have lost their previous 3 matches (2 in the Championship, 1 in the cup) and it’s fair to say that they’re having a bit of crisis on their hands.
Derby County, on the other hand, have been playing pretty good lately. This year, they are without a single defeat, having played 1:1 with Middlesbrough in the league and 2:2 with Southampton in the FA Cup.
Derby County have been playing particularly well in the final third in the last couple of weeks, scoring a total of 7 goals in the previous 3 matches. Another impressive thing about their form is that they played very well against the teams considered favorites. And that means that they’re traveling to Leeds with their heads held high.
Team News
Leeds United absentees:
- Kalvin Phillips (suspension)
Derby County absentees:
- Marcus Olsson (injury)
- Craig Forsyth (injury)
- Curtis Davies (injury)
- Mason Bennett (injury)
- Scott Malone (injury)
Possible Lineups
Leeds United
Peacock-Farrell – Ayling, Jansson, Cooper, Douglas – Forshaw, Pablo Hernandez, Klich, Shackleton – Alioski, Roofe
Derby County
Carson – Keogh, Tomori, Bogle, Wisdom – Bryson, Huddlestone, Wilson, Lawrence – Marriott, Nugent
Leeds vs Derby Prediction
With Marcelo Bielsa on one side and Frank Lampard on the other, this is going to be a clash of two sides led by wise managers. And that means that we will probably see a big battle in the center of the pitch. Who’s going to win that battle? I think Leeds. They are in a poor form, but it needs to end at some point and this match seems like a perfect opportunity for that!
Leeds vs Derby Betting Tips
- Leeds @1.75 (bet365)