Sheffield Wednesday vs Derby County prediction 15.12.2025 | Championship

Sheffield Wednesday went to Watford last Tuesday knowing something had to give after four straight losses. The Owls nearly pulled it off too, leading from the 17th minute until deep into stoppage time before settling for a 1-1 draw. The ending stung, but there were positives, particularly the way Pedersen’s side stayed compact and disciplined off the ball.

Still, the wider picture remains awkward. Wednesday are now 13 games without a win and have shipped goals in each of their last six. Hillsborough hasn’t been much of a refuge either, with five defeats from the last six at home.

Barry Bannan, with three goals and five assists in the league, remains the heartbeat of the side and should again be central to whatever Wednesday manage going forward, likely with Cadamarteri and McNeil offering support higher up.

In terms of availability, Guilherme Siqueira is still a long term absentee due to an Achilles problem that has sidelined him for over a year. Left winger Olaf Kobacki is also set to miss out again as he continues to recover from a groin injury.

Derby enjoyed a really eye catching spell between October and November, losing just once in seven matches and winning six of them. That run feels a little distant now. The Rams have gone three games without a win, picking up one point from a possible nine. Still, John Eustace will take some encouragement from last week, when Derby dug deep to come from behind late on and rescue a draw against Millwall.

Away from home, Derby have actually looked fairly reliable. Three wins from their last four road trips suggest this is not a side that shrinks outside Pride Park, so confidence should not be an issue here.

The big question is up front. Carlton Morris, the club’s leading scorer with ten goals, missed the Millwall game with a leg issue and remains doubtful. If he sits this one out, Derby will already be without Lewis Travis due to a calf injury, along with Max Johnston, Owen Beck, and David Ozoh, who are all still working their way back.