In a spirited bid to evade the relegation zone, Derby County are on the hunt for their fourth consecutive Championship win this Wednesday. Recently, they've found a resurgence in form, matching their win tally from the previous 26 games in just the last three matches. Marcus Harness, a blossoming star for Derby, has turned around his season dramatically, contributing significantly with three goals and an assist in just the last two games.
On the other side, Preston North End remain fiercely optimistic about their playoff chances. Currently sitting 10 points adrift from the playoff positions, they have a game in hand which could potentially bridge the gap to the top six. Their recent 2-1 victory against Portsmouth has set the stage for potentially securing back-to-back wins for only the third time this season.
Despite Derby's stronghold in home games against Preston—with just one loss in 14 encounters at their home turf—Preston North End has demonstrated resilience in recent matchups, only losing once in their last six meetings across all competitions against Derby. Their last encounter, however, did end in a defeat for Preston, with a 1-0 loss in April 2022 at Pride Park.
The upcoming clash is not just about gaining points but about setting the narrative for the end of the season for both teams. Derby's newfound form under the influence of Marcus Harness’ revitalized performances suggests a challenging matchup for Preston. However, with their undying resolve and underdog spirit reminiscent of their historical climb from similar tough spots—such as their legendary 1888-89 inaugural Football League season—Preston supporters remain hopeful.
To wrap up, why did the Derby fan bring a ladder to the match? They heard the table was about to change! Here's to hoping it's Preston climbing up the ladder this Wednesday!
