'There for the taking' – Stoke City vs Derby County prediction: The72

10/31/2024 06:47 AM

Derby County travel to face Stoke City in the Championship on Saturday afternoon as their search for an away win continues.

Derby County come into this clash with Stoke City unbeaten in their last four matches, though have been rooted to 12th spot in the table after three successive 1-1 draws.

The Rams beat QPR 2-0 prior to the international break, then picked up their first away points of the season against Millwall and Oxford United before their return to Pride Park last weekend against Hull City.

Paul Warne’s side initially found themselves a goal down against the Tigers, but a looping header from 19-year-old striker Dajaune Brown ensured things ended level.

Stoke City, meanwhile, are without a win in their last five outings in all competitions. They were denied a place in the Carabao Cup quarter-final during their last encounter, losing 3-2 to Premier League outfit Southampton after James Bree’s 88th minute strike.

The Potters also lost their last second tier fixture in a fairly one-sided 2-0 defeat to Sheffield United. Three draws prior to their loss at Bramall Lane mean that Narcis Pelach’s men currently occupy 19th spot in the table.

Back on home soil for their clash with Derby County, Stoke supporters will be hopeful of a return to winning ways.

Here, a handful of our writers make their prediction for the game…

Jacob Hackett

“The Rams are yet to taste victory on their travels, which does not stand them in great stead for their trip this weekend. Having said that, you would expect that they have to reverse that trend at some point.

“Draws against Millwall and Oxford stopped their successive run of defeats on the road, so the next step for Warne’s side is to bring three points back to the East Midlands.

“Stoke City have shown glimpses of a fantastic side this season, though consistency has been the issue. They have been a tough outfit to predict in the early stages of this campaign.

“I am still not quite convinced of Derby County’s ability to kill off games away from home, so my gut feeling is that the Potters will take a narrow win.”

Prediction: Stoke City 2-1 Derby County

James Ray

“All three points are there for the taking for Stoke City this weekend. They’ve put in some really good displays under Pelach despite not getting the results they’d hoped for.

“Derby County are not the same animal on the road as they are at Pride Park, and that gives the Potters a real chance of getting a great win. However, some of those losses have been turned to draws by the Rams away from home.

“And, with some questions over Stoke’s ability to really put things together and turn good performances into results, I think the visitors might be able to grind out a point.”

Prediction: Stoke City 1-1 Derby County

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