Derby County's return to the EFL Championship didn't go to plan on day one but they now have the chance to make amends back at Pride Park as Middlesbrough come calling.
After winning promotion last term, the Rams were looking to lay down a marker last Friday at Ewood Park but lost 4-2 to Blackburn Rovers as both recommended bets landed for our man Andy.
Paul Warne's men then fell behind to lowly Chesterfield in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday but rallied to claim a 2-1 win and that will have boosted confidence ahead of what will be a tough test against Boro.
Michael Carrick's men narrowly missed out on reaching the play-offs for a second season on the spin last term but Middlesbrough will be targeting another promotion push.
They started with a 1-0 home win over Swansea then thumped Leeds 3-0 on the road in the Carabao Cup so Carrick will be looking for Middlesbrough to put another victory on the board in Derby.
How the bookies view it: Middlesbrough have the edge
After contrasting fortunes in their first Championship fixture, it's no great surprise to see Middlesbrough as Betfred's 21/20 favourites. Derby County are 11/5 outsiders and the draw pays 9/4.
Recent head to head: Derby seeking home comfort
Derby County have a decent record at home against Middlesbrough, going four unbeaten. But two of those matches have ended in draws, including a 0-0 draw when Middlesbrough last came calling in 2021. That was followed by a 4-1 romp at the Riverside for Boro that season.
Players to watch: Hot Latte for Carrick
Emmanuel Latte Lath was the main man for Middlesbrough last season, netting 18 times in an impressive campaign. The Ivorian netted the winner against Swansea on day one and is a tempting 7/4 for another goal here.
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing hit double figures for Derby last season and the experienced forward is usually a goal threat. He's 13/5 to grab a goal for the Rams.
Probable line ups
Both managers rested players for their midweek cup ties but should revert to their strongest available line-ups here.
Derby County: Vickers – Nyambe, Nelson, Cashin, Elder – Goudmijn, Ozoh, Osborn – Barkhuizen, Jackson, Mendez-Laing.
Middlesbrough: Dieng, Van den Berg, Clarke, Ayling, Engel, Hackney, McGree, Jones, Morris, Latte Lath, Azaz.
Anything else catch the eye?
Derby County's two games so far have produced plenty of goals at both ends so this should be a decent game to watch. Middlesbrough kept a clean sheet in their first two games but I fancy BTTS for this one and it pays 4/6.
Over 2.5 goals is also odds-on at 4/5 but if you combine that with both teams to score in a bet builder it boosts the odds to evens.
The card markets are also worth a look, with five yellows flashed in Middlesbrough's opener and further four in Derby's loss to Blackburn. Over 42.5 booking points pays evens while Middlesbrough defender Luke Ayling appeals at 3/1 for a card.
This could be a tighter game than the bookies are predicting as Derby County have home advantage and will be roared on by a big crowd. So the half-time draw is another option worth a look at 6/5.
This England Championship match between Derby County and Middlebrough will be played on Aug 17, 2024 and kick off at 12:30. Check below for our tipsters best Derby County vs Middlebrough prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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