Derby — Middlesbrough Prediction, H2H and Probable Lineups — 1 January 2026
On January 1, 2026, in Matchday 25 of the English Championship, Derby will host Middlesbrough. The match is set to kick off at 16:00 Central European Time. Let’s take a closer look at the potential outcome of this clash.
Derby
Derby approach this match in difficult form. In their last seven matches, the team have won only once, drawn three times, and lost three times. In their most recent game, Derby played away against Leicester and lost 2–1.
In the league table, Derby currently sit 14th with 32 points, six points behind the top-6 teams and ten points above the relegation zone. Their goal difference is perfectly balanced, with 33 goals scored and 33 conceded. In their last 11 matches out of 12 played, Derby have always conceded at least one goal.
Regarding home form, Derby have failed to win four consecutive matches at their stadium, with the last two ending in 1–1 draws. Overall, this places them 20th in the league for home performance, with 14 points from 12 games.
In other competitions, Derby were eliminated from the EFL Cup in the 1/32 finals after losing to Burnley and are now fully focused on the league.
Looking at home head-to-head matches against Middlesbrough, Derby hold a slight advantage. In the last five meetings at home, the team have remained unbeaten, recording three wins and two draws.
Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough come into this match also in poor form. In their last three matches, the team have not won, recording two defeats and one draw. In their most recent game, Middlesbrough lost at home to Hull 0–1. Prior to that, they drew 0–0 and lost 0–2 to Bristol City.
These results mean Middlesbrough have now gone three matches without scoring. Before this run, the team had a decent period with a four-match winning streak. Currently, Middlesbrough sit second in the league with 43 points but have lost some ground to the leaders after recent setbacks.
Away form for Middlesbrough remains solid, with 19 points collected in 12 away matches, ranking them second for this indicator. In their last five away games, they recorded two wins, two draws, and only one defeat.
Middlesbrough were also eliminated from the EFL Cup, losing to Doncaster, and are now fully focused on the league. In head-to-head meetings against Derby, Middlesbrough have had mixed results, winning three of the last four encounters while losing one.
Probable Lineups
- Derby: Zetterstorm, Langas, Sanderson, Clarke, Adams, Ward, Clark, Elder, Brewster, Brereton, Agyemang
- Middlesbrough: Brynn, Brittain, Ayling, Targett, McCormick, Hackney, Bangura, Gilbert, Browne, Conway, Sene
Key Facts and Head-to-Head
- Derby have failed to win 6 of their last 7 matches.
- 11 of Derby’s last 12 matches, both teams scored.
- Middlesbrough have failed to win 3 of their last 4 matches.
- 3 of Middlesbrough’s last 4 matches have seen under 2.5 goals.
- Middlesbrough have won 3 of the last 4 head-to-head meetings.
Derby — Middlesbrough Prediction
Both teams approach this match in poor form, each coming off three games without a win. Derby have struggled in recent home matches and currently sit mid-table, while Middlesbrough occupy second place but have been inconsistent in their last few games. In head-to-head encounters, Middlesbrough have generally dominated, although Derby tend to perform well at home against this opponent. Considering the teams’ current form, Derby’s strong home record against Middlesbrough, their defensive vulnerabilities, and both sides’ desire to finally secure a win, this match is likely to feature goals, possibly from both teams. My bet for this match: Total Over 2 goals at odds of 1.55.
