Derby County vs West Bromwich Albion prediction 23.01.2026 | Championship

Derby’s promotion last season came with a sense of “let’s see what happens.” No grand promises, just steady progress. That approach still fits.

The Rams haven’t blown the league away, but tenth place and two points off the playoffs keeps hope alive. It’s the kind of position where one good month changes everything.

Form has quietly improved. John Eustace’s side edged past Preston 1:0, then followed it with a gritty 2:1 win over Charlton. Nothing glamorous, but solid.

Pride Park has been mostly kind as well. One defeat in the last four home games is usually enough to keep belief ticking along in the stands.

Matthew Clarke is suspended after picking up two yellows at Charlton. Max Johnston, Carlton Morris, and Dion Sanderson are still out. Jacob Widell Zetterström is a doubt after illness, which could matter if it drags on closer to kick-off.

From a West Brom perspective, this season has started to feel heavy. Since dropping out of the Premier League in 2021, this might be the most uncomfortable spell yet.

A playoff near-miss two years ago and a ninth-place finish last season suggested stability. Nineteenth place now suggests something has slipped.

Eric Ramsay’s side are winless in five. Four defeats in that run. The last one hurt most. A 5–0 loss to Norwich, and that made it four straight games conceding at least twice. Those kinds of results don’t just affect the table. They linger in the dressing room.

There are still a few sparks. Isaac Price has been one of them, scoring six league goals, and should start wide on the right.

Karlan Grant is expected on the left. Daryl Dike and Tammer Bany both miss out with thigh injuries, which limits options up front and doesn’t help confidence.