Despite enduring a number of poor results over the past few weeks, the bookmakers have made Leeds United the favourites to win this opening play-off semi-final.
The Whites arrive at Pride Park after managing to win just one point from four Championship games. Marcelo Bielsa’s men lost to Ipswich, Brentford, Wigan and could only muster a 1-1 draw at home to Aston Villa. These results saw United’s automatic promotion chances vanish into thin air.
Derby, meanwhile, claimed the last play-off spot on the final day of the regular season. A 3-1 victory over West Brom was enough to see Frank Lampard’s men pip Middlesbrough to the sixth place finish.
The Rams are in flying form having won four of their last six games. What’s more, Derby have only suffered one defeat in their last 12 Championship matches.
The one worry when it comes to Derby though, is their recent history with Leeds. The Whites have won their last two encounters with the Rams by an aggregate score of 6-1 – that has to be a concern for the hosts.
Nevertheless, with United in shocking form, the recommendation is to go with the bigger price and back the draw. Many people are anticipating a tight contest over the two legs which means we may not see fireworks until the reverse fixture at Elland Road.
*prices correct at time of writing and are subject to change
**New customers only, limited to one per person. If you've previously had a Paddy Power account, you will not qualify for the offer. Place your FIRST bet on any Sportsbook market and it loses they will refund your stake in CASH. Max. refund for this offer is £10. T&Cs apply.
Derby County v Leeds United
PaddyPower Pre-Match Odds: Derby County 15/8, Draw 2/1, Leeds United 6/4*
NEW PADDY POWER CUSTOMERS GET A £10 RISK FREE FIRST BET - MONEY BACK IN CASH IF IT LOSES!**
Despite enduring a number of poor results over the past few weeks, the bookmakers have made Leeds United the favourites to win this opening play-off semi-final.
The Whites arrive at Pride Park after managing to win just one point from four Championship games. Marcelo Bielsa’s men lost to Ipswich, Brentford, Wigan and could only muster a 1-1 draw at home to Aston Villa. These results saw United’s automatic promotion chances vanish into thin air.
Derby, meanwhile, claimed the last play-off spot on the final day of the regular season. A 3-1 victory over West Brom was enough to see Frank Lampard’s men pip Middlesbrough to the sixth place finish.
The Rams are in flying form having won four of their last six games. What’s more, Derby have only suffered one defeat in their last 12 Championship matches.
The one worry when it comes to Derby though, is their recent history with Leeds. The Whites have won their last two encounters with the Rams by an aggregate score of 6-1 – that has to be a concern for the hosts.
Nevertheless, with United in shocking form, the recommendation is to go with the bigger price and back the draw. Many people are anticipating a tight contest over the two legs which means we may not see fireworks until the reverse fixture at Elland Road.
Recommendation
Draw – 11/5 bet365*
*prices correct at time of writing and are subject to change
**New customers only, limited to one per person. If you've previously had a Paddy Power account, you will not qualify for the offer. Place your FIRST bet on any Sportsbook market and it loses they will refund your stake in CASH. Max. refund for this offer is £10. T&Cs apply.
Head to Head Comparison
Derby County - Last 5 Matches
Leeds United - Last 5 Matches