Preston vs Derby Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Saturday, 17 January

Preston face Derby in a highly anticipated Championship clash at Deepdale this Saturday, 17 January. This match is crucial for both teams as they aim to strengthen their positions in the league standings. With Preston playing at home, they will be eager to use their familiarity with Deepdale to secure a vital win.

Derby, meanwhile, will look to disrupt Preston’s plans and take valuable points on the road. Both teams have shown flashes of quality this season, making this encounter an intriguing prospect for fans and punters alike. The outcome could have significant implications for their respective Championship campaigns.

Preston vs Derby Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Draw	3.09

Given the recent form and head-to-head history between Preston and Derby, our recommended betting tip is a draw. This prediction is based on the fact that both teams have had mixed results recently and are closely matched in terms of performance.

• Preston and Derby have both had inconsistent form recently, with neither team showing a clear edge.
• The last five matches between these teams have all seen fewer than 2.5 goals, indicating tightly contested games.
• Preston’s average concession rate of 0.9 goals per game suggests a strong defence, making it tough for Derby to secure a win.

With both teams struggling for consistent victories and Preston’s narrow win in their last meeting, a draw appears the most likely outcome.

Betting Odds

Preston step onto the Deepdale pitch as slight favourites with odds of 2.25, but Derby’s odds of 3.28 suggest they cannot be underestimated. The draw is priced at 3.09, reflecting expectations of a closely contested Championship fixture.

Betting Tip	Odds
Preston to win	2.25
Draw	3.09
Derby to win	3.28

For those looking to place a bet, the match odds indicate a tight game. Keep an eye on the over 2.5 goals market, as both teams have shown they can score in recent fixtures.

Preston Analysis & Past Performance

Preston’s recent form has been mixed, with two wins, two losses, and one draw in their last five matches. Notably, they secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday and a 2-0 win against Bristol City, but their momentum was halted with a 0-1 defeat to Wigan in the FA Cup.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Preston	Wigan	0 – 1 (Loss)	FA Cup	9 Jan 2026
Bristol City	Preston	0 – 2 (Win)	Championship	4 Jan 2026
Preston	Sheffield Wednesday	3 – 0 (Win)	Championship	1 Jan 2026
Wrexham	Preston	2 – 1 (Loss)	Championship	29 Dec 2025
Stoke	Preston	0 – 0 (Draw)	Championship	26 Dec 2025

Recent Form: Preston have averaged 1.40 goals per game over their last five matches, highlighting a decent attacking front, while defensively, they have been relatively solid, conceding only 0.60 goals per game and keeping three clean sheets. Their ability to shut out opponents is a notable strength, with a 60% clean sheet ratio.

Home Performance: At Deepdale, Preston’s record shows a tendency towards draws, having tied three of their last five home games. With a win ratio of 20% at home, they will look to convert drawing opportunities into victories to climb from their current 4th position in the league standings.

Key Player: Lewis Dobbin remains a key figure in Preston’s attack, having scored six times this season. His goal-scoring prowess will be crucial as they aim to improve their home performance and maintain their push for promotion.

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Preston Suspensions & Injuries

Preston face a challenging situation with several key players unavailable due to injury. Robert Brady’s absence with a calf injury and Andrija Vukčević’s hamstring issue, both expected to return by late January 2026, will particularly affect the team’s midfield and defensive depth. Lewis Gibson’s muscle injury, with a return anticipated in late February, further compounds the defensive woes, leaving manager Paul Heckingbottom with limited options at the back.

Odel Offiah’s status remains doubtful due to a knock, adding uncertainty to the squad’s composition. His potential absence could force tactical adjustments, possibly requiring a change in formation or the use of less experienced players to fill the gaps left by these injuries. The impact is significant, as Preston will need to rely on their squad depth to maintain competitive performance levels.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Robert Brady	Calf Injury	Late January 2026
Lewis Gibson	Muscle Injury	Late February 2026
Andrija Vukčević	Hamstring Injury	Late January 2026
Odel Offiah	Knock	Doubtful

In terms of replacements, Jordan Storey and Liam Lindsay are expected to step up in defence, while the midfield may see more responsibility on the shoulders of Pol Valentín and Jordan Thompson. These players will need to adapt quickly to the increased demands, and their performances could be pivotal in determining the match outcome. The tactical impact is noteworthy, as Heckingbottom may need to adopt a more conservative strategy to compensate for the lack of key personnel.

The betting implications of these injuries are clear; Preston’s chances might be viewed as diminished, potentially influencing odds in Derby’s favour. However, if the replacements can rise to the occasion, Preston could still pose a formidable challenge despite the setbacks.

Preston Key Players

Preston’s attacking strength this season is largely down to their top scorer, Lewis Dobbin, who has found the net six times. Operating primarily as a forward, Dobbin’s positional awareness and clinical finishing make him a constant threat to opposition defences. His partnership with Milutin Osmajić adds dynamism to Preston’s forward line, as Osmajić’s physical presence and ability to hold up play complement Dobbin’s agility and quick movement.

In midfield, Ben Whiteman stands out as a key playmaker, orchestrating play with his precise passing and vision. His role in transitioning the ball from defence to attack is crucial for Preston’s tactical setup. Defensively, the trio of Liam Lindsay, Jordan Storey, and Andrew Hughes forms a resilient backline, with Lindsay’s aerial prowess and Storey’s composure under pressure being vital assets.

Expected lineup for Preston

• Goalkeeper: Daniel Iversen
• Defence: Liam Lindsay, Jordan Storey, Andrew Hughes
• Midfield: Ben Whiteman, Brad Potts, Alfie Devine, Jordan Thompson, Jamal Lewis
• Forward: Lewis Dobbin, Milutin Osmajić

Tactically, Preston rely on a well-balanced approach, with their midfield providing a solid foundation for both defensive stability and attacking transitions. The combination of Whiteman’s midfield control and Dobbin’s scoring ability could be decisive against Derby. Their strengths lie in their organised defence and ability to capitalise on quick counter-attacks, which could prove pivotal in this Championship clash.

Preston Tactics and Formation

Preston Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-3
• Key Forward: Lewis Dobbin
• Midfield Pivot: Jordan Thompson and Alistair McCann
• Defensive Strength: Three clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High pressing and quick transitions from defence to attack.

Preston’s 3-4-3 formation emphasises both offensive versatility and defensive solidity. The back three, consisting of Jordan Storey, Liam Lindsay, and Lewis Gibson, provides a solid defensive core that has contributed to three clean sheets in recent matches. This setup allows wing-backs Pol Valentín and Thierry Small to push forward, offering width and supporting the attack.

In midfield, Jordan Thompson and Alistair McCann form a crucial pivot, balancing defensive responsibilities with playmaking duties. Their ability to disrupt opposition play and initiate quick transitions is vital for Preston’s tactical approach.

Offensively, Lewis Dobbin leads the line, ably supported by Mads Frøkjær-Jensen and Daniel Jebbison. Preston’s strategy often involves high pressing to regain possession quickly and exploit spaces with swift counterattacks. This tactic has proven effective, especially in home matches at Deepdale.

Derby Analysis & Past Performance

Derby are enduring a challenging spell, as recent results indicate. Over their last five matches, Derby have secured only one victory, suffered three defeats, and drawn once. This sequence includes a notable 1-3 loss against Leeds in the FA Cup. Despite these difficulties, Derby have managed to score in all five games, averaging 1.00 goals per match, but their defence has been porous, conceding 1.60 goals on average.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Derby	Leeds	1 – 3 (Loss)	FA Cup	11 Jan 2026
Derby	Wrexham	1 – 2 (Loss)	Championship	4 Jan 2026
Derby	Middlesbrough	1 – 0 (Win)	Championship	1 Jan 2026
Leicester	Derby	2 – 1 (Loss)	Championship	29 Dec 2025
Birmingham	Derby	1 – 1 (Draw)	Championship	26 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
Away from home, Derby’s performance has been marginally better, with two wins, two losses, and one draw in their last five away fixtures. Their away win ratio stands at 40%, compared to an overall win ratio of 20%. The Rams’ away games have seen them score 1.20 goals per match while conceding an average of 1.50. The team has kept only one clean sheet in their last ten games, indicating a struggle to maintain defensive solidity.

Sitting 13th in the Championship with 35 points, Derby’s season has been marked by inconsistency. The team has a win ratio of 35% from 26 matches, reflecting a balance between victories and defeats. Carlton Morris, with 10 goals, remains a key attacking threat, contributing significantly to Derby’s tally. However, for Derby to improve their standing and gain momentum, tightening their defensive line and capitalising better on attacking opportunities is crucial.

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Derby Suspensions & Injuries

Derby face a tough fixture against Preston with several key players sidelined by injury. The absence of Owen Beck, due to a hamstring injury, and Carlton Morris, recovering from a knee issue, is likely to affect their defensive solidity and attacking depth. These injuries necessitate tactical adjustments from manager John Eustace, who may need to rely on less experienced squad members to fill these crucial gaps.

David Ozoh’s thigh injury and Max Johnston’s hamstring problem further compound Derby’s woes, limiting their options in midfield and defence respectively. The expected return of both players by late January could provide a timely boost, but for this match, their unavailability means Derby might have to adapt by potentially deploying a more conservative approach to maintain defensive stability.

The absence of these key figures not only impacts Derby’s tactical setup but also their potential effectiveness in implementing Eustace’s preferred style of play. With fewer options to rotate and introduce fresh legs, the team could struggle to maintain intensity throughout the match, potentially influencing betting markets as Derby may be seen as less likely to secure a victory.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Owen Beck	Hamstring Injury	Mid February 2026
David Ozoh	Thigh Injury	Late January 2026
Carlton Morris	Knee Injury	Early February 2026
Max Johnston	Hamstring Injury	Late January 2026

Derby Key Players

Rhian Brewster will be pivotal for Derby’s attacking efforts as he leads the line. His ability to exploit space behind Preston’s defence could prove crucial, given his pace and finishing ability. Brewster’s link-up with Ben Brereton Díaz, likely to feature in midfield, will be essential in breaking down the opposition’s defensive structure. Brereton Díaz’s versatility and vision make him an influential playmaker capable of creating goal-scoring opportunities.

In midfield, Bobby Clark’s dynamism and Liam Thompson’s work rate are expected to be vital. Clark’s ability to drive forward and Thompson’s defensive contributions ensure Derby maintain balance in the centre of the park. At the back, Matt Clarke’s leadership and aerial strength will be crucial in organising the defence, particularly against Preston’s set-piece threats.

Expected lineup for Derby

• Goalkeeper: Jacob Widell Zetterström
• Defence: Sondre Langås, Dion Sanderson, Matt Clarke
• Midfield: Joe Ward, Liam Thompson, Bobby Clark, Callum Elder, Ben Brereton Díaz, Patrick Agyemang
• Forward: Rhian Brewster

Derby Tactics and Formation

Derby Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-5-1
• Key Forward: Lars-Jørgen Salvesen
• Midfield Engine: Lewis Travis and Oscar Fraulo
• Defensive Line: Danny Batth and Craig Forsyth
• Recent Performance: Struggled defensively, conceding 8 goals in the last 5 games.

Derby County are expected to line up in a 4-5-1 formation under John Eustace, aiming to bolster their midfield presence and counter Preston’s attacking threats. The midfield unit, led by Lewis Travis and Oscar Fraulo, will be crucial in maintaining possession and supporting both defence and attack.

Defensively, the central pairing of Danny Batth and Craig Forsyth will need to be at their best to prevent conceding, as Derby have struggled with clean sheets recently. Their defensive organisation will be key, considering the team’s recent record of conceding 8 goals in five matches.

Offensively, Derby will rely heavily on Lars-Jørgen Salvesen, who will lead the line, supported by wingers Ben Brereton Díaz and Corey Blackett-Taylor. The team’s strategy will likely focus on exploiting wide areas and set pieces, aiming to capitalise on Preston’s defensive lapses.

Preston vs Derby Head-to-Head Record

In their head-to-head record, Derby County have the upper hand with 16 wins compared to Preston’s 11, alongside 11 draws. The last encounter saw Preston secure a 1-0 victory away at Derby in the Championship, highlighting their ability to perform on the road.

The last time Preston hosted Derby at Deepdale, the match ended in a 1-1 draw back in November 2024. Historically, Derby have been slightly more successful in this fixture, but Preston’s recent win could signal a shift in momentum.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Derby County	Preston North End	0 – 1	Championship	2025-09-20
Derby County	Preston North End	2 – 0	Championship	2025-04-02
Preston North End	Derby County	1 – 1	Championship	2024-11-23
Derby County	Preston North End	1 – 0	Championship	2022-04-02
Preston North End	Derby County	0 – 0	Championship	2021-10-16