Derby vs Southampton Predictions

As things stand, Derby County are battling for promotion to the Premier League this season, while their opponents at Pride Park in the FA Cup on Saturday, Southampton, are fighting for their top flight survival. Neither team heads into the game in great form, but the hosts have only lost one of their last six matches and should prove to be a tough nut to crack for the Saints.

Derby were held to a 1-1 draw at home by fellow promotions hopefuls Middlesbrough on New Years Day, despite taking the lead through Wilson in the second minute and lead 1-0 at the break. Middlesbrough took just seven second half minutes to level the scores through target man Hugill, with a goal that arrived shortly after Derby goalscorer Wilson had to be taken off with an injury. Neither side created much in the way of obvious goal scoring opportunities following the equaliser, perhaps both teams were content with a point against one of the rivals for the play-off places.

Chelsea did everything they could to beat Southampton, but a combination of poor finishing, great defending and some excellent goalkeeping saw the Saints pick up an unlikely point at Stamford Bridge. The hosts had 65% of the overall possession, over three times as many corners, and thirteen shots during the ninety minutes, but just could not find a break through goal. That point leaves Southampton in the relegation zone, but they are just two points from safety and have a better goal difference than the teams in and around them.

Derby beat Southampton 3-0 in a pre-season friendly over the summer, but their last competitive meeting was back in 2012 when both teams were plying their trade in the Championship. On that day goals from Hooiveld, Martin, Lallana, and Lee saw the Saints smash Derby County 4-0 at St Mary’s. Southampton went on to earn promotion to the Premier League that season, while Derby ended up in mid table. With two wins, three draws, and just one defeat from their last six matches, hosts Derby County are the form favourites heading into Saturday’s match. Southampton have lost three of their last six, drawn once, and won twice, but will be buoyed by that excellent point at Stamford Bridge. Wilson top scores for the Rams with nine Championship goals this season, but could miss the FA Cup tie after picking up an injury last time out. Danny Ings has seven goals for the Saints so far this season and is likely to play a huge role in the clubs battle against relegation, if he can stay fit.

We’re confident that both teams will score in this game, and have backed the match to finish in a 1-1 draw. Both teams have scored in four of the last seven meetings between the two clubs, while both teams have also scored in Derby County’s last four matches and in four of Southampton’s last six. Derby County have drawn three of their last five matches, so don’t be surprised if this game ends up being a stalemate as well.