Derby County and Queens Park Rangers clash this Monday night as the two lock horns at Pride Park for what is set to be a peculiar game for the home side following yet another points deduction in the Championship.
In reality, despite actually doing a fantastic job in fighting against relegation, Wayne Rooney’s men are now seemingly doomed for League One after their second points deduction inside four months has put them on just one point as we approach the hectic winter period.
This trio of defensive interventions by @NathanByrne_ proved vital last night! 🚫𝗖𝗿𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 from our number two!#DCFC pic.twitter.com/WsrBt6IBDZ— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) November 25, 2021
This trio of defensive interventions by @NathanByrne_ proved vital last night! 🚫𝗖𝗿𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 from our number two!#DCFC pic.twitter.com/WsrBt6IBDZ
Prior to this, however, Derby were putting up a solid effort to stay in the division despite facing a 12-point deduction before a ball was even kicked.
They had lost only five games from the 19 played, which is less than teams like Stoke City in sixth and the same amount as Coventry City in fifth and their opponents on Monday, QPR.
The club are yet to go on a really bad streak despite the odds stacked against them and their one point after 19 games tells nothing about their story this season, and fans, Rooney and their players can just count themselves as seriously unlucky participants in what can only be described as a mess behind the scenes.
Moreover, what is absolutely stunning from Derby is their recent results. They managed to defeat title-chasing Bournemouth in a thrilling 3-2 victory at Pride Park which in itself was exceptional work by Rooney and his men.
Moreover, they drew at Craven Cottage just five days prior to this meeting with QPR, which not many clubs have been able to do this season.
All in all, they picked up four points during a period where they were expected to get demolished. Now, the Rams sit with 16 goals scored and 18 conceded and if it wasn't for the brutal points deductions, we'd be talking about how great of a job the former England captain has done.
As for QPR at the other end, they’re experiencing their best season in the Championship since their relegation a few years back as they are now competing for a play-off spot and with them currently sitting fourth, they are just a point off West Bromwich Albion in third and nine of second-placed Bournemouth.
QPR have been excellent and with 31 goals scored, only the runaway Premier League chasers, Fulham and Bournemouth, have netted more. With this in mind, it’s tough to see how bottom-placed Derby get a result here.
Forebet predicts a win for the away side which will only push the Rams closer to League One. Forebet also expects the game to see under 2.5 goals with Derby’s defensive record, at the very least, being somewhat decent.