Derby will take on Middlesbrough in the Premier League on Thursday, 1 January, as the Championship rolls into the new year.
The hosts will be hoping to surge up the table into the playoff contention during the second half of the season, while Middlesbrough are on the hunt for automatic promotion.
As part of this week's round of Championship betting tips, check out our Derby vs Middlesbrough prediction below.
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Derby vs Middlesbrough prediction: The hosts to take something
Key Stats
- Middlesbrough have failed to win any of their last three Championship matches.
- Derby have taken four points from their last two Championship home matches.
- Both teams have scored in 11 of Derby's last 12 matches.
Correct score prediction: Derby 2-1 Middlesbrough
Derby may be an inferior side to Middlesbrough on paper, but this does have the hallmark of a banana skin for the visitors. Derby have found some decent form in recent weeks, while Boro have hit a brick wall.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Derby are the underdogs
- HOME: 2/1 (3.00) – 33.3%
- DRAW: 9/4 (3.25) 30.8%
- AWAY: 11/8 (2.38) – 42.1%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The Derby vs Middlesbrough odds are the perfect illustration of how tight this match is expected to be. Ladbrokes have given Derby a 33.3% chance of winning the match, while Middlesbrough have been given a 42.1% chance of victory.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Advantage Boro
Middlesbrough have a decent recent record against Derby, winning three of their last four encounters with the Rams. It's not all doom and gloom for Derby, though, as they did win last season's corresponding fixture at Pride Park by a goal to nil.
England Championship 29/11/25
Middlesbrough
Derby
England Championship 01/03/25
Middlesbrough
Derby
England Championship 17/08/24
Derby
Middlesbrough
England Championship 12/02/22
Middlesbrough
Derby
England Championship 21/08/21
Derby
Middlesbrough
Derby preview: Ward returns
Joe Ward is available for selection once again after the experienced defender served a suspension last time out against Leicester City. In terms of injuries, the Rams are without Carlton Morris, David Ozoh and Max Johnston, while Bobby Clark is a doubt.
Predicted lineup: Zetterstrom (GK), Langas, Sanderson, Clarke, Ward, Thompson, Adams, Elder, Brereton Diaz, Agyemang, Brewster
Last five results
- Leicester 2-1 Derby
- Birmingham 1-1 Derby
- Derby 1-1 Portsmouth
- Sheffield Wednesday 0-3 Derby
- Derby 1-1 Millwall
Middlesbrough preview: Issues at the back
Middlesbrough's loss of form over the festive period can be at least partially attributed to a defensive crisis that is giving manager Kim Hellberg a real headache. For this one, his Hellberg is without Dael Fry, George Edmundson and Alfie Jones at the back and Riley McGree in midfield.
Predicted lineup: Brynn (GK), Brittain, Ayling, Targett, Bangura, Morris, Browne, Whittaker, Hackney, Burgzorg, Conway
Last five results
- Middlesbrough 0-1 Hull City
- Middlesbrough 0-0 Blackburn
- Bristol City 2-0 Middlesbrough
- Middlesbrough 3-1 QPR
- Charlton 1-2 Middlesbrough
Player to watch: Morgan Whittaker
There was a time when Middlesbrough fans had completely given up on Morgan Whittaker, but the 24-year-old has made those fans look very silly this season, and his performances are a big reason why Boro are inside the top two. Whittaker has scored eight goals and provided three assists in the Championship and will be keen for a similar second half to the campaign.