West Bromwich vs. Derby Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips - bettingexpert
Get ready for an intriguing encounter as West Bromwich Albion hosts Derby County at The Hawthorns on 21 April 2025, kicking off at 15:00. With the end of the Championship season fast approaching, every point is crucial.
West Bromwich, led by Tony Mowbray, currently sit 8th with 60 points, battling to stay in contention for playoff spots. Despite being the bookmakers’ favourites, their recent form (WLLLD) has been inconsistent. Injuries to key players like top scorer Josh Maja and crucial defenders will be a challenge for them.
On the other hand, Derby, under John Eustace, are fighting to avoid relegation, placed 21st with 43 points. Although they’ve struggled, their last five games (LDLDW) show resilience. A double chance on Derby (X2) seems wise given West Brom’s three defeats in their last four matches.
With former manager Wayne Rooney in the headlines, Derby will be looking to prove themselves. Expect a solid defensive performance, making them tough opponents.
This match promises to be a battle of wits and endurance, contributing to the rich narrative of the Championship season.
West Bromwich vs Derby Prediction & Betting Tip
| West Bromwich vs Derby Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Double chance on Derby (X2) | 2.00 |
- Derby have only lost 2 out of their last 8 matches, showcasing their resilience.
- West Bromwich have suffered 3 defeats in their last 4 matches, indicating a dip in form.
- Derby have kept 2 clean sheets in their last 5 games, suggesting a strong defensive performance.
West Bromwich vs Derby Odds
| West Bromwich vs Derby Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| West Bromwich | 1.93 |
| Draw | 3.32 |
| Derby | 4.00 |
These odds reflect the bookmakers’ belief in West Bromwich as the favorites, given their higher position in the table and home advantage.
However, Derby’s resilience in their recent matches shouldn’t be overlooked. With only two losses in their last eight fixtures, there is potential value in backing them for a result, especially with a double chance bet (X2). West Bromwich’s inconsistent form makes this bet even more appealing for the risk-takers out there.
West Bromwich Team Analysis
West Bromwich Recent Performance
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coventry | West Bromwich | 2025-04-18 | Championship | 2-0 (Loss) |
| West Bromwich | Watford | 2025-04-12 | Championship | 2-1 (Win) |
| Bristol City | West Bromwich | 2025-04-08 | Championship | 2-1 (Loss) |
| West Bromwich | Sunderland | 2025-04-05 | Championship | 0-1 (Loss) |
| Norwich | West Bromwich | 2025-03-29 | Championship | 1-0 (Loss) |
Recent Form: WLLLD
West Bromwich Albion have experienced a tough run recently, with only one win in their last five matches. They’ve struggled in front of goal, averaging just 0.60 goals per game during this stretch, while also failing to keep any clean sheets. This inconsistency has seen them slip out of the play-off spots, currently sitting 8th with 60 points.
Despite their troubles, their last victory against Watford shows they have the potential to bounce back, especially playing in front of their home crowd. However, defensive frailties remain a concern, potentially hampering their efforts against a resilient Derby side.
West Bromwich Key Players
West Bromwich Albion will be looking to their key players to step up in this crucial encounter.
Josh Maja, their top scorer with 12 goals, is a significant absentee due to a calf injury. In his absence, the attacking responsibilities will fall heavily on the young forward, Will Lankshear, who will start up front.
The midfield duo of Isaac Price and Alex Mowatt will be crucial in controlling the game’s tempo, while defenders Kyle Bartley and Torbjørn Heggem will need to tighten up at the back given their recent defensive troubles.
Expected lineup for West Bromwich:
- Goalkeeper: Josh Griffiths
- Defenders: Darnell Furlong, Kyle Bartley, Torbjørn Heggem, Mason Holgate
- Midfielders: Isaac Price, Alex Mowatt, Tom Fellows, Karlan Grant, Mikey Johnston
- Forward: Will Lankshear
West Bromwich Suspensions & Injuries
West Bromwich Albion are facing several challenges with their squad due to key suspensions and injuries.
| Player | Suspension | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Jayson Molumby | Red card | 25/04/2025 |
| Callum Styles | Yellow/red card | 25/04/2025 |
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Josh Maja | Calf injury | Early May 2025 |
| Semi Ajayi | Hamstring injury | Early May 2025 |
The suspension of Jayson Molumby and Callum Styles will thin the midfield options, putting more pressure on Isaac Price and Alex Mowatt. Additionally, the absence of top scorer Josh Maja and key defender Semi Ajayi will significantly impact the team’s attacking and defensive strengths. Tony Mowbray will need to strategise effectively to cope with these absences.
West Bromwich Tactics and Formation
West Bromwich Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Will Lankshear
- Midfield Duo: Isaac Price and Alex Mowatt
- Defensive Setup:
- Right back: Darnell Furlong
- Right centre-back: Kyle Bartley
- Left centre-back: Torbjørn Heggem
- Left back: Mason Holgate
Despite missing key players like Josh Maja and Semi Ajayi, manager Tony Mowbray will look to bolster both their defence and midfield to counter Derby’s attacks. The inclusion of Tom Fellows and Mikey Johnston on the wings is aimed at exploiting the away team’s defensive weaknesses, while the sturdy double pivot of Price and Mowatt ensures balance in both defence and attack.
Expect West Brom to use fullbacks Holgate and Furlong to provide width and support the wingers in a tactical setup focused on controlling the midfield and reducing gaps for Derby’s forwards.
Derby Team Analysis
Derby Recent Performance
Derby’s recent form sees them struggling to secure wins, with a record of one win, two draws, and two losses in their last five games. Here’s a snapshot of their recent performances:
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Derby | Luton | 2025-04-18 | Championship | 0-1 (Loss) |
| Portsmouth | Derby | 2025-04-12 | Championship | 2-2 (Draw) |
| Derby | Burnley | 2025-04-08 | Championship | 0-0 (Draw) |
| Swansea | Derby | 2025-04-05 | Championship | 1-0 (Loss) |
| Derby | Preston | 2025-04-02 | Championship | 2-0 (Win) |
Despite these inconsistencies, Derby has managed to notch two clean sheets in their last five matches, reflecting their defensive solidity at times. They have averaged 0.8 goals scored per game in this stretch, showing they can be resilient and opportunistic.
The defense needs tightening, as they concede 1.4 goals per game on average this season. Notably, star forward Jerry Yates will be pivotal in their attack, having netted nine goals thus far in the campaign. Derby’s recent form indicates a team capable of holding strong defensively, albeit needing more consistency in converting opportunities into victories.
Derby Key Players
Expected lineup for Derby:
- Goalkeeper: Jacob Widell Zetterström
- Defenders: Sondre Langås, Nathaniel Phillips, Matt Clarke
- Midfielders: Kane Wilson, Ebou Adams, Harrison Armstrong, Craig Forsyth
- Attackers: Tom Barkhuizen, Jerry Yates, Marcus Harness
Derby’s key player to watch is Jerry Yates, their top scorer with nine goals this season. His goalscoring prowess will be essential if Derby are to breach West Bromwich’s defence. In midfield, Ebou Adams plays a crucial role in controlling the tempo and disrupting the opposition’s play.
A potential key battle will be Jerry Yates versus West Bromwich’s central defenders, Kyle Bartley and Torbjørn Heggem. If Yates can find space and time, he could be a significant threat.
Derby Suspensions & Injuries
Derby County are dealing with a raft of injuries, significantly impacting their squad depth and preparation for this match. Here’s a rundown of the current injuries:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Curtis Nelson | Cruciate ligament injury | Early October 2025 |
| Dajaune Brown | Hamstring injury | Late May 2025 |
| Corey Blackett-Taylor | Hamstring injury | Mid May 2025 |
| David Ozoh | Thigh injury | Out for season |
| Kemar Roofe | Hamstring injury | Early May 2025 |
| Lars-Jorgen Salvesen | Knee surgery | Late July 2025 |
| Ryan Nyambe | Hamstring injury | Early May 2025 |
| Callum Elder | Knock injury | Doubtful |
| Nathaniel Mendez-Laing | Broken cheekbone | Late May 2025 |
These injuries, particularly in the attacking and defensive lines, could significantly hamper Derby’s ability to control the game and respond effectively to West Bromwich’s attacks. The absence of crucial players like Curtis Nelson and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing adds to their woes. Expect some squad reshuffling and increased reliance on bench players.
Derby Tactics and Formation
Derby County’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 3-4-3
- Key Forward: Jerry Yates
- Midfield Engine Room: Ebou Adams, Harrison Armstrong
- Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games.
- Notable Strategy: Compact play with reliance on swift breaks down the flanks.
John Eustace has implemented a solid 3-4-3 formation, focusing on defensive stability and quick counter-attacks. Jerry Yates is a focal point in the attacking third, providing scoring opportunities. The midfield, with Adams and Armstrong, adds grit and stability, screening the defense while aiding forward transitions. Despite the injuries, the team employs disciplined defending, which is evident from their clean sheets, and aims to frustrate West Brom with compact play and effective wing play.
West Bromwich vs Derby Head-to-Head Statistics
| Home Team | Away Team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Derby County | West Bromwich | 2024-12-26 | Championship | 2-1 (Win) |
| Derby County | West Bromwich | 2022-08-23 | EFL Cup | 1-0 (Win) |
| Derby County | West Bromwich | 2021-12-27 | Championship | 1-0 (Win) |
| West Bromwich | Derby County | 2021-09-14 | Championship | 0-0 (Draw) |
| West Bromwich | Derby County | 2020-07-08 | Championship | 2-0 (Win) |
Derby County have had the upper hand in recent meetings, winning three out of their last five encounters against West Bromwich. Their last clash saw Derby secure a 2-1 victory in December 2024. West Brom’s only win in this span came back in July 2020. Despite Derby’s poor season overall, they have been a thorn in West Brom’s side historically.
Odds accurate as of 04.19.2025 3:01 PM, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
