Derby v West Bromwich Albion: play-off push meets survival fight | OneFootball

Derby County host West Bromwich Albion in the Championship on Friday, 23 January at Pride Park, with the hosts eyeing the play-off pack and the visitors trying to halt a slide towards the relegation fight.

Derby County are 10th on 41 points while West Bromwich Albion sit 19th with 31. The hosts have also enjoyed the recent head to head, including a 1-0 away win in September 2025.

Derby have won three of their last four league games, beating Middlesbrough, Preston and Charlton. West Bromwich Albion have lost four league matches on the spin, including a 5-0 home defeat to Norwich last time out.

The Rams are without 10-goal forward Carlton Morris through injury, while Matthew Clarke is suspended. Defenders Danny Batth, Dion Sanderson and Max Johnston, plus goalkeeper Josh Vickers, are also sidelined. West Bromwich Albion list Tammer Bany as injured.

With 52% possession and 82.16% passing accuracy this season, West Bromwich Albion may seek control and supply Aune Heggebo, while Michael Johnston has nine assists. Derby's direct edge shows in 11 headed goals and 22.94% cross accuracy, with Joe Ward on five assists. Wide deliveries and aerial targets could be their route.

A home win would move Derby to 44 points and could pull them closer to the top six. Victory for West Bromwich Albion would lift them to 34 and may create daylight above the relegation places.