Derby vs Bolton prediction 06.11.2026 | Championship

Last season was the best for Derby in recent years. They finished eighth, just four points behind the playoff zone. However, things are much harder for John Eustace's team, as Derby are deep in the relegation zone, seven points from safety. The Rams are in terrible form with ten games in a row without a victory and urgently need to stop the negative streak. In the previous match, they lost 4-0 at home against Norwich. The guests dominated the first half, and although the hosts improved after the break, it wasn't enough to avoid another defeat.

Derby were terrible in the last match, and the manager, John Eustace, took responsibility for the defeat. He commented, "It's not the ideal result we want, and the performance is unacceptable when we concede four goals at home. Tactically, I got it wrong tonight, and I'll take full responsibility for the performance. We're professional, and we need a reaction on Friday."

Sammie Szmodics suffered an injury in the previous match, and his status is unclear for Friday. If the attacking midfielder can't play, he will join the already unavailable Sondre Langas, Craig Forsyth, Derry Murkin, Eiran Cashin, Charlie Taylor, and David Ozoh. Also, Joe Ward, Matt Clarke, and Patrick Agyemang are questionable.

After five years in League One, Bolton finally returned to the Championship. Some expected them to have huge problems avoiding relegation, but with 17 points in 14 league rounds, they are looking solid enough, maybe even mid-table. However, Steven Schumacher's team lost two of the last three matches. Bolton returned to the right track on Tuesday night with a 1-0 road win over Charlton. The teams were pretty even, but the visitors' better efficiency was enough for all three points.

Bolton's manager, Steven Schumacher, was very pleased after the victory in the previous game. He stated, "So it's another tick in the box for us as well to come to another tough away place to play, get a clean sheet, and play well to an extent. I think we've played better football this year."

Josh Sheehan and Atsuki Ito had problems in the last match and they might skip Friday's game at Pride Park. Besides them, Bolton will be without Eoin Toal, Ryan Hardie, Ethan Erhahon, Jayden Nelson, and John McAtee. Gavin Bazunu is questionable and his status will become clearer closer to the kickoff.