| Match Details | Information |
| Competition | Championship – (England) |
| Round | 26 |
| Date & Time | 2026-01-04, 16:00 – (Include timezone BST/GMT). |
| Stadium | Pride Park Stadium |
Prediction – Derby County 1 –
1 Wrexham
Recent
Form
As Derby County and Wrexham prepare to face off at Pride Park Stadium, both teams enter the match with contrasting momentum from their recent performances. Derby County’s last five league matches have showcased a mixed bag of results. They secured a narrow victory against Middlesbrough and a significant away win against Leicester City, indicating their potential to compete effectively against strong opposition. However, subsequent draws against Birmingham City and Portsmouth, coupled with a heavy 3-0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday, highlight inconsistencies in their performance, particularly in maintaining defensive solidity. Conversely, Wrexham appears to be on an upward trajectory, displaying robust attacking prowess in their recent fixtures. Despite a setback against Blackburn Rovers, Wrexham bounced back with a series of impressive performances, including a high-scoring victory over Sheffield United and a hard-fought win away at Swansea City. Their ability to secure a draw against Watford further exemplifies their resilience and ability to compete against challenging opponents. With no recent head-to-head encounters to draw from, both teams will rely on their current form to gain an edge in this matchup. Derby County will aim to leverage their home advantage and rectify recent defensive lapses, while Wrexham will look to capitalize on their attacking momentum and continue their positive run. The clash promises to be an intriguing battle as both sides seek to assert their aspirations in the Championship standings.
Derby County Last 5 League Matches
| Teams | Result | Red Cards | Yellow Cards | Corners | Free Kicks | Possession | Assists |
| Derby County Vs Middlesbrough | 1-0 | 0 – 0 | 2 – 2 | 4 – 9 | 9 – 12 | 32% – 68% | 1 – 0 |
| Leicester City Vs Derby County | 1-2 | 0 – 0 | 1 – 2 | 3 – 4 | 12 – 10 | 45% – 55% | 2 – 1 |
| Birmingham City Vs Derby County | 1-1 | 1 – 1 | 3 – 3 | 12 – 1 | 13 – 17 | 74% – 26% | 0 – 1 |
| Derby County Vs Portsmouth | 1-1 | 0 – 0 | 1 – 1 | 6 – 4 | 4 – 7 | 52% – 48% | 0 – 1 |
| Sheffield Wednesday Vs Derby County | 3-0 | 0 – 0 | 4 – 1 | 1 – 5 | 8 – 10 | 60% – 40% | 0 – 2 |
Derby County’s recent league performances have been a mixed bag, reflecting both resilience and inconsistency. Over the last five matches, they have secured two victories, two draws, and one defeat, showcasing their potential but also highlighting areas needing improvement. Their latest 1-0 victory against Middlesbrough was achieved despite having only 32% possession, indicating a robust defensive display and efficiency in converting their limited chances. This result was a testament to their ability to withstand pressure and capitalize on key moments, a trait that could be pivotal in their upcoming fixtures. In contrast, Derby’s 3-0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday exposed vulnerabilities, particularly in maintaining possession and defensive solidity. With only 40% possession and conceding three goals, it was a match where Derby struggled to impose themselves, suggesting a need for more cohesion and control in midfield. Injuries have also played a role, with Carlton Morris’s absence due to a leg injury impacting their attacking options. This has put extra pressure on players like Rhian Brewster and Patrick Agyemang to deliver in the forward line. The predicted lineup for Derby County reflects a blend of experience and youth, with players like Matt Clarke and Dion Sanderson providing stability in defense. The midfield, comprising Liam Thompson and Callum Elder, will be crucial in dictating play and supporting both defensive and attacking transitions. With Joe Ward and Ebou Adams also in the mix, Derby’s midfield is poised to be dynamic, aiming to control the tempo and create opportunities for attackers. Overall, Derby County’s recent form suggests a team that is still finding its footing but possesses the capability to compete effectively. Their focus will likely be on solidifying their defense, optimizing possession, and ensuring clinical finishing. With strategic use of their lineup and adapting to challenges such as injuries, Derby aims to continue their push up the Championship table, building on the positive aspects of their recent performances while addressing the shortcomings.
Wrexham Last 5 League Matches
| Teams | Result | Red Cards | Yellow Cards | Corners | Free Kicks | Possession | Assists |
| Blackburn Rovers Vs Wrexham | 2-0 | 0 – 0 | 4 – 2 | 4 – 8 | 10 – 14 | 53% – 47% | 0 – 2 |
| Wrexham Vs Preston North End | 2-1 | 0 – 0 | 0 – 0 | 3 – 3 | 10 – 11 | 46% – 54% | 2 – 1 |
| Wrexham Vs Sheffield United | 5-3 | 0 – 0 | 1 – 2 | 7 – 5 | 11 – 7 | 54% – 46% | 3 – 2 |
| Swansea City Vs Wrexham | 1-2 | 0 – 0 | 2 – 2 | 5 – 7 | 10 – 8 | 57% – 43% | 1 – 0 |
| Wrexham Vs Watford | 2-2 | 0 – 0 | 3 – 5 | 7 – 1 | 9 – 10 | 52% – 48% | 1 – 1 |
Wrexham’s recent form in the Championship suggests a team that is competitive and resilient, capable of both scoring and conceding goals. Over the last five league matches, Wrexham has secured two wins, two draws, and one loss, demonstrating a balanced performance. Notably, their 5-3 victory against Sheffield United showcased their attacking prowess, with three assists highlighting their ability to create and convert chances effectively. However, defensive vulnerabilities were evident in conceding three goals, which is a recurring theme that may require strategic adjustments. A closer look at the statistics from these matches reveals a team that is comfortable playing both at home and away. Against Swansea City, Wrexham managed a 2-1 win despite having only 43% possession, indicating their efficiency on the counter-attack. This trend of capitalizing on limited possession was also evident in their 2-1 win over Preston North End, where they again had less of the ball but still emerged victorious. Such performances suggest that Wrexham is adaptable and can thrive under pressure, leveraging quick transitions and set-piece opportunities, as seen with their consistent corner counts. The absence of Danny Ward due to an elbow injury is a significant concern for Wrexham’s defensive setup. Ward’s experience and leadership at the back will be missed, placing added responsibility on the predicted defensive line of Callum Doyle, Dominic Hyam, and Dan Scarr. Arthur Okonkwo, as the predicted goalkeeper, will need to maintain focus and composure, especially given the potential for defensive lapses. In midfield, the presence of players like George Thomason and George Dobson will be crucial in dictating the tempo and providing defensive cover. Meanwhile, the attacking trio of Ollie Rathbone, Lewis O’Brien, and Sam Smith offers a blend of pace and creativity, essential for breaking down opposition defenses. With these dynamics, Wrexham is likely to adopt a balanced approach, focusing on solidifying their defense while exploiting counter-attacking opportunities. This strategy will be particularly vital in their upcoming match at Pride Park Stadium, where maintaining discipline and seizing scoring opportunities could lead to a favorable outcome.
Team News &
Injuries
Derby County Injuries & Suspensions
- Carlton Morris (Leg Injury)
Wrexham Injuries & Suspensions
- Danny Ward (Elbow Injury)
Head-to-Head
(H2H) Record & Summary
H2H Last 5
| Teams | Result | Red Cards | Yellow Cards | Corners | Free Kicks | Possession | Assists |
| Derby County Vs Wrexham | N/A | 0 – 0 | 1 – 5 | 4 – 3 | 16 – 9 | 55% – 45% | 1 – 1 |
H2H Detailed Analysis
The upcoming Championship clash between Derby County and Wrexham at Pride Park Stadium offers an intriguing matchup, with both teams looking to gain an edge as they navigate the midpoint of the season. Historically, encounters between Derby County and Wrexham have been closely contested, with both teams showcasing competitive vigor. Although detailed head-to-head statistics are not provided, the match data suggests a high-tempo game characterized by disciplined defense, as indicated by the absence of red cards. However, Wrexham’s five yellow cards highlight a possibly aggressive approach that could be a double-edged sword, especially against a Derby side that enjoys a slightly higher possession advantage. Derby’s ability to control the ball, with 55% possession compared to Wrexham’s 45%, indicates a preference for dictating the pace of the game, which they will likely aim to exploit, particularly on their home turf. In terms of player availability, Derby County will miss Carlton Morris due to a leg injury, which could impact their attacking depth, despite the presence of forwards like Rhian Brewster and Bobby Clark. Wrexham, on the other hand, will be without Danny Ward, whose absence may affect their defensive solidity. The predicted lineups suggest that Derby will field a balanced team with a strong midfield presence in Joe Ward and Ebou Adams, aiming to dominate the center of the park. Wrexham’s lineup, featuring the likes of George Thomason and George Dobson in midfield, suggests they will rely on a compact structure to counter Derby’s possession-based play. Both teams have potential match-winners in their ranks, and the outcome may hinge on how effectively Derby can capitalize on their home advantage and possession superiority, against a Wrexham side that may look to hit on the break or capitalize on set pieces, given their ability to draw fouls and win free kicks.
Predicted Lineups
- Formation: 3-4-1-2
- Players: Jacob Widell Zetterström (Goalkeeper), Matt Clarke (Defender), Sondre Langås (Defender), Dion Sanderson (Defender), Liam Thompson (Midfielder), Callum Elder (Midfielder), Joe Ward (Midfielder), Ebou Adams (Midfielder), Patrick Agyemang (Attacker), Rhian Brewster (Attacker), Bobby Clark (Attacker)
- Formation: 3-4-2-1
- Players: Arthur Okonkwo (Goalkeeper), Callum Doyle (Defender), Dominic Hyam (Defender), Dan Scarr (Defender), George Thomason (Midfielder), George Dobson (Midfielder), Matty James (Midfielder), Ryan Longman (Midfielder), Ollie Rathbone (Attacker), Lewis O’Brien (Attacker), Sam Smith (Attacker)
