Derby County vs Middlesbrough: Preview, Team News, and Where to Watch
Derby County and Middlesbrough face each other on Saturday morning (17), at 5:30 am, at Pride Park. The match is valid for the second round of the EFL Championship.
An increasingly competitive second tier in English football remains an intense and exciting competition, with the prize of a place in the Premier League on offer at the end of the season.
Relegation from the top flight last term means Luton, Burnley and Sheffield United are all back in the second tier this term and will be expected to push for play-off spots again at least, but so too will Norwich City, an improving Coventry and beaten play-off finalists Leeds United. At the other end of the table, Wayne Rooney is aiming to revive Plymouth’s fortunes after they narrowly avoided relegation last year, with Portsmouth and Derby the teams promoted from League One along with play-off final winners Oxford.
Team News
Micah Hamilton has joined Middlesbrough permanently after leaving Manchester City and could make his debut this Saturday. Manager Michael Carrick could promote Luke Ayling, Finn Azaz and Thomas Glover to the starting line-up. They were both on the bench in the first round of the Carabao Cup.
Corey Blackett-Taylor is a doubt for the clash with Middlesbrough and is expected to be assessed hours before the match. Ebou Adams suffered an injury in the defeat to Blackburn and is expected to miss the home side.
Tyrese Fornah is no longer in Derby County's plans for the season and will be loaned to third-tier Salford City. Jerry Yates is still serving an automatic suspension and will miss the match.
Where to Watch
If you want to watch the game Derby County vs Middlesbrough, your options are: Sky Sports
If you want to stream directly: streaming services and app: Sky Sports. If you want to watch online, VAVEL US is your best option!
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The Game
Middlesbrough beat Swansea City 1-0 in the first round of the EFL Championship. They then beat Leeds 3-0 in the first round of the Carabao Cup to boost their confidence ahead of the second round of the second division. Saturday's visitors are eighth in the league with three points.
On 9 August, Derby County lost 4-2 to Blackburn Rovers. They then beat Chesterfield 2-1 in the first round of the Carabao Cup. Derby County are currently 18th.
Match Preview
Derby County and Middlesbrough have a long and storied history, with plenty of high-scoring games and dramatic moments. This season, both sides are looking to build on their respective successes from last season and make a strong push for promotion. Middlesbrough come into this match in good form, having won their last two games, while Derby County will be looking to bounce back from their opening day loss.
This is sure to be a tense and exciting match, and both sides will be looking to get off to a strong start in the Championship.
The Verdict
With Middlesbrough's recent form and Derby County's struggles, it is likely that the visitors will be able to secure a victory in this encounter. It is important to note that the teams are facing each other in a different competition and the EFL Championship is a different scenario. However, it is clear that Middlesbrough are the slight favourites to win this game. Despite being a home game for Derby County, it is hard to see them overcome Middlesbrough's attacking threat.
Key Players to Watch
Derby County
- Kayden Jackson: Jackson is a key player for Derby County, and he will be looking to score goals against Middlesbrough.
- Nathaniel Mendez-Laing: Mendez-Laing is a creative midfielder who will be looking to create chances for his teammates.
- Ben Osborn: Osborn is a reliable midfielder who will be looking to provide defensive stability.
Middlesbrough
- Emmanuel Latte Lath: Latte Lath is a talented forward who will be looking to score goals against Derby County.
- Finn Azaz: Azaz is a skillful midfielder who will be looking to create chances for his teammates.
- Hayden Hackney: Hackney is a young defender who will be looking to keep a clean sheet against Derby County.
Potential Line-Ups
Derby County
Vickers; Wilson, Nelson, Cashin, Elder; Goudmijn, Ozoh, Osborn; Collins, Mendez-Laing, Jackson.
Middlesbrough
Dieng; Ayling, Clarke, Van den Berg, Engel; McGree, Hackney; Jones, Morris, Azaz; Lath.
Final Thoughts
This is a match that could go either way. Derby County will be looking to take advantage of home support and make a statement in the Championship. However, Middlesbrough is a very strong side, and they will be confident of getting a result at Pride Park. The match is sure to be a thrilling encounter, and fans should be in for a treat.
My name is Lucas Monteiro and I’ll be your host for this game. Follow pregame information on VAVEL.
