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Lee Hendrie has given his score prediction for Championship clash between West Brom and Derby County

Lee Hendrie has given his score prediction for the Championship clash between West Brom and Derby County on Saturday.

Saturday's hosts West Brom have come into this Championship season in fine form when it comes to results, as the Baggies currently sit second in the table after an unbeaten start at the turn of the international break with three wins and one draw, and will be looking to extend that run to five games unbeaten with their upcoming clash against John Eustace's Derby County.

West Brom have churned out some quality results this season under the guidance of ex-Spurs player Ryan Mason, who has established a high morale within his young crop of players.

One standout has been 21-year-old Isaac Price, who has been a top performer for both club and country. The Northern Irish international has scored three goals and provided one assist in the league so far this season and will be keen to add to his tally against the Rams on Saturday.

As for the Rams, it's been an up and down season so far for them, with Eustace's side starting to take shape. However, their results don't quite reflect it.

With Derby County currently occupying 21st place, just above the relegation zone, they are still in search of their first win, which could be a tough ask to achieve against the in-form Baggies. After coming so close to achieving that feat last time out against the struggling Ipswich Town, who netted a 90+16 minute penalty thanks to Jack Clarke, Eustace and his side will be determined to get the three points.

The two sides did in fact meet just under a month ago in the EFL Cup at the Hawthorns, in which Derby came out on top thanks to a late Joe Ward equaliser which saw the Rams go on to win on penalties. A tight encounter that could sure follow in the same vein this coming weekend.

Lee Hendrie's verdict on West Brom vs Derby County

Speaking exclusively to FLW, Hendrie said, "Another big game, West Brom versus Derby. Derby obviously looking for that first win, and it looked like they were very close against Ipswich away with that late penalty. Obviously, it just got them a point, but they do look like there are signs that they are starting to sort of adapt and get a bit of a togetherness in the team."

"Likewise with West Bromwich Albion really. I'm still looking at them and feeling is that little bit of consistency going to come from them."

"Again, I can't see much further than past a draw here. I think this will be a real tight one with Eustace going there and knowing that they can potentially nick something, but, I'm going to go 1-1."

If West Brom are going to mount a charge to be real promotion candidates, these are the games that Mason must view as 'must-win' games as a manager. Whereas for Derby, a point on the road at the Hawthorns would certainly be a positive result, but you can't help but think that a win must come soon for the Rams, otherwise it could spell danger.

West Brom vs Derby a difficult one to call despite being separated by 19 places

With both teams coming into this one at opposite ends of the table, neither team have looked too convincing, in Hendrie's view, which could make for an enticing viewing.

Despite West Brom going into this one as favourites to come away with three points, the Baggies must be wary of the threat that the Rams pose going forward. Having scored 7 goals this season, it's the defensive side of the game that has let Derby down so far this season after conceding 11 goals, including shipping five in their eight-goal thriller against Coventry at Pride Park.

It's an area that Eustace will be keen to tighten up, otherwise another relegation scare could be on the cards. As for the other end of the pitch, new signing from Luton Town, Carlton Morris, is one that has hit the ground running with four games from four games, and, just like Price, will be in search of finding the net once again.

It's sure to be a thrilling encounter, but a close one to call also.