Derby County welcome Steven Schumacher’s Bolton Wanderers to Pride Park on Friday, November 6, with kick-off at 8pm (broadcast live on Sky Sports).
Derby head into the contest under increasing pressure after a difficult run of results, with just one win in their last 14 Championship outings.
Tuesday night’s 4-0 home defeat to Norwich City only added to the frustration, as the Rams suffered another heavy loss in front of their own supporters.
Wrap of recent results and form
That followed a 4-1 thrashing away at Millwall, a 1-1 draw with Sheffield United along with defeats to Queens Park Rangers and Stoke City.
The result against the Canaries means Derby have collected just one point from their last five league matches, leaving them languishing in 23rd place.
Injuries have undoubtedly played a part in Derby’s struggles, with several first-team players unavailable.
The Rams’ only league victory came against Portsmouth at the beginning of September, when they secured a 2-0 away win.
Bolton, meanwhile, arrive in Derby with renewed confidence after securing a valuable 1-0 away victory against Charlton Athletic on Tuesday night.
Sam Dalby scored the only goal of the contest in the 18th minute, taking his season’s tally to six and giving Schumacher’s side a much-needed response following their 5-1 home defeat against Middlesbrough and a narrow 3-2 loss to Bristol City.
Their ability to respond to Tuesday’s victory with another positive performance could prove significant against a Derby defence that has looked vulnerable for much of the season so far.
Players to watch
For the hosts, Carlton Morris offers a physical presence and an attacking focal point, something the Rams will need if they are to put the visitors under sustained pressure.
The creativity of Bobby Clark and Sammie Szmodics could also be crucial. Both possess the ability to make things happen in the final third for the home side.
At the other end, goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterström could have a busy evening.
Having conceded four goals against Norwich, the Swedish goalkeeper will be keen to produce a stronger performance and help restore some confidence.
For Bolton, Sam Dalby is undoubtedly one to watch. The 26-year-old has already found the net six times this season and will be looking to build on his match-winning contribution at The Valley.
Winger Thierry Gale is another potential threat. His pace and attacking ability could cause problems for Derby’s defensive line.
With five goal contributions to his name this campaign, he will be hoping to add to that tally.
Teenage winger Max Lott has also been given opportunities in recent weeks. The 19-year-old featured against Charlton, and he will be hoping to retain his place in Schumacher’s plans.
Head-to-head
The two sides have enjoyed a competitive history, although Derby hold the advantage in their previous meetings.
Across their 18 meetings, the Rams have recorded nine victories, compared with four wins for Bolton, while five encounters have ended in a draw.
The last time the sides met in the league was during the 2023/24 League One campaign.
Both teams claimed a victory, with Bolton winning 2-1 in September 2023 before Derby secured a 1-0 success at Pride Park in March 2024.
Prediction
This should be a difficult fixture to call; however, in current form it is fairly easy, with Bolton arriving in much more confidence than their opponents.
Schumacher’s side have shown they can find the net, while Dalby is enjoying a productive campaign and will relish the opportunity to test a Derby defence that has conceded far too many goals.
For Derby, the pressure is mounting. Eustace desperately needs a positive result, but another disappointing performance could leave the Rams in an even more uncomfortable position.
Currently, it is hard to see Derby turning things around.
Score prediction: Derby County 0-2 Bolton Wanderers
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