Norwich vs Derby Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

This is a key game for both clubs who are likely to be rivals for a play-off place this season. Norwich made much the stronger start to the season but the Rams have been one of the real form teams in the division since Steve McClaren took charge, and they currently look the side better equipped to maintain a challenge.

The main contrast between these teams is at the back. Derby have the 2nd best defensive record in the league with just 15 goals conceded whereas Norwich have conceded a massive 37. They’ve shipped 1.54 goals per game on average and it will be virtually impossible for them to sustain a promotion challenge unless that improves. The Canaries have lost 8 of their last 12 league games, winning just twice and right now there is nothing about them that convinces you they are going to beat a strong Derby side that is playing well.

Derby come into this match having lost just 1 of their last 15 games, with 8 wins from their last 10. Were it not for their poor start to the season, they’d be up there with Newcastle and Brighton right at the top of the division. They’ve kept clean sheets in 58% of their games this season and therefore Norwich are going to have to work very hard to create many chances here. At the other end you can never really rely on them to go through a game without making any errors and the likes of Tom Ince, who is on the very top of his game right now, could really exploit that.

The bookies still make Norwich the favourites for this one but it’s hard to understand why that is the case. Norwich’s overall home record is strong but they’ve suffered 3 home defeats in the past couple of months in the Championship and Derby are playing well enough to make that 4 here, so backing Derby 0.0 Asian Handicap at 43/40 looks good.