Preston North End and Derby County meet in a key EFL Championship tie on Saturday, 17 January 2026 at 15:00 UK time. Find predictions, stats and expert betting tips for this Championship fixture below in our comprehensive match preview.
Preston North End vs Derby County Betting Preview & Predictions – EFL Championship 2025/26
Fixture Details
- Home Team: Preston North End
- Away Team: Derby County
- Competition: EFL Championship
- Matchday: 27
- Date: Saturday, 17 January 2026
- Kick-off Time: 15:00 (UK)
- Venue: Deepdale, Preston
Match Overview
| Match Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | EFL Championship |
| Matchday | 27 |
| Date | Saturday, 17 January 2026 |
| Kick-off Time | 15:00 (UK) |
| Venue | Deepdale |
| Broadcast | Check club websites and Sky Sports for live coverage details |
Key Predictions & Confidence Score
| Market | Prediction | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Time Result | Preston North End | ★★★★☆ |
| Correct Score | 1-1 Draw | ★★★☆☆ |
| Both Teams to Score | Yes | ★★★★☆ |
| Over/Under 2.5 Goals | Under 2.5 | ★★★☆☆ |
Top Betting Tips & Value Analysis
Tip 1. Value Bet: Preston North End to Win
Odds: @ 13/10 with Betfair
Value Rating: ★★★★☆
Analysis: Preston North End are unbeaten in their last two meetings against Derby and have lost just once in their last six league games at Deepdale. Their season-long performance at home has seen them secure 8 clean sheets and a +11 goal difference. Derby, meanwhile, have struggled for consistency, winning only 1 of their last 5 away matches, and hold a neutral goal difference (0) over 26 games. Preston’s average ball possession (45.23%) and slightly superior passing accuracy (73.79%) edge Derby’s 41.94% and 73.88% respectively, underlining their ability to control games, particularly at home. With the best price at 13/10 (Betfair), this presents strong value for the hosts to claim all three points.
Betfair
Our score: 87%
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Tip 2. Player Prop Bet: Milutin Osmajić to Score Anytime
Odds: @ 2/1 with Bet365
Value Rating: ★★★☆☆
Analysis: While Preston’s top scorers are not among the league’s elite, Osmajić stands out as their most effective forward, frequently involved in key attacking moves. Derby’s defence has kept just 5 clean sheets all season and conceded 35 goals in 26 matches – an average of 1.35 goals per game. With Preston’s creative edge (221 big chance assists this season), Osmajić should find himself with scoring opportunities. At 2/1 (Bet365), the price offers reasonable value given Derby’s defensive vulnerability.
Bet365
Our score: 92%
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In-Depth Match Analysis
Recent Form and Performance
Preston North End currently sit 4th in the Championship, with 43 points from 26 matches (W11 D10 L5). Their home form has been a key factor, boasting 8 clean sheets and a goal difference of +11. Preston average 1.38 goals scored per game, and their defensive record (25 goals conceded) is one of the strongest in the top half.
Derby County are 13th, collecting 35 points (W9 D8 L9), and have an even goal tally (35 scored, 35 conceded). Their away form this season has been patchy, with a tendency to concede in key moments – reflected in just 5 clean sheets.
Tactical Breakdown
Preston favour a balanced approach, blending direct play with spells of controlled possession. Manager Paul Heckingbottom typically sets up his side to press in midfield and exploit width, with Will Keane and Milutin Osmajić leading the line. Their creativity is evidenced by 221 big chance assists (a league-leading figure), suggesting a focus on carving out high-quality scoring opportunities.
Derby, under John Eustace, have been more reactive, often setting up to hit opponents on the break. Their pass accuracy (73.88%) is very similar to Preston’s, but their average possession is lower. They look to Carlton Morris and Ben Brereton Díaz for attacking thrust, but the side has struggled for consistency and cutting edge away from home.
Key Player Matchups
- Milutin Osmajić (Preston) vs Derby’s centre-backs: As Preston’s focal point in attack, Osmajić will test Derby’s defensive line, especially given Derby’s record of conceding 1.35 goals per game.
- Ben Brereton Díaz (Derby) vs Preston’s full-backs: Brereton Díaz’s physicality and pace on the flanks could trouble Preston, though the home side’s defensive organisation has been strong at Deepdale.
Head-to-Head Record & Statistical Analysis
| Statistic | Preston North End | Derby County |
|---|---|---|
| League Position | 4th | 13th |
| Goals Scored | 36 | 35 |
| Goals Conceded | 25 | 35 |
| xG (Expected Goals) | 14.53 | 11.75 |
| xGA (Expected Goals Against) | Not available | Not available |
| Date | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 20/09/2025 | Derby County 0-1 Preston North End | EFL Championship |
| 02/04/2025 | Derby County 2-0 Preston North End | EFL Championship |
| 23/11/2024 | Preston North End 1-1 Derby County | EFL Championship |
| 02/04/2022 | Derby County 1-0 Preston North End | EFL Championship |
| 16/10/2021 | Preston North End 0-0 Derby County | EFL Championship |
Player Spotlight: Milutin Osmajić
Osmajić, Preston’s leading attacker, has emerged as a pivotal figure in their campaign. While not among the league’s very top scorers, his movement and work rate in the final third have been vital. He benefits from the team’s creative strengths – Preston boast 221 big chance assists this season, more than any other side in the division. Osmajić is likely to start as the central striker, providing an aerial and physical presence against a Derby defence that has looked vulnerable in recent weeks. Expect him to be Preston’s main threat, both in open play and from set pieces.
BetTom
Our score: 91%
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Who is the favourite to win the Preston North End vs Derby County match?
Preston North End are favourites, priced at 13/10 (Betfair) to take all three points, reflecting their superior league position, stronger home form, and recent head-to-head success. - What are the best betting odds for this match?
The best odds for Preston North End to win are 13/10 with Betfair. Both Teams to Score (Yes) is best priced at 1/1 with Bet365. A 1-1 Correct Score is 5/1 with Bet365. - Where can I watch the Preston North End vs Derby County match?
Broadcast details are subject to confirmation. Check the official club websites and Sky Sports for the latest live coverage information.
Conclusion & Key Takeaways
This EFL Championship clash sees Preston North End aiming to consolidate their play-off position against a Derby County side seeking consistency. Preston’s superior home record, combined with their creative attacking play, makes them deserved favourites. Value lies in backing the hosts at 13/10, while Milutin Osmajić is worth a look in the goalscorer markets given Derby’s defensive record. Both teams are capable of finding the net, but Preston’s defensive solidity at Deepdale could prove decisive.
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