History beckons for Derby County as Stoke City told painful truth

Derby County go to near neighbours Stoke City on Saturday lunchtime (12.30pm kick-off) for a game that could have huge implications for both teams. For the Potters, they need wins to get their season back on track.

As for the Rams, they will be looking to make history by winning consecutive league games at Stoke for the first time since September 1933, Colin Kazim-Richards scoring an 85th-minute winner in a 2-1 victory the last time they were at the bet365 Stadium, on December 30, 2021. It would also be their first away win of the new season.

Despite Stoke's midweek Carabao Cup defeat at Premier League Southampton, head coach Narcis Pelach remains optimistic. Their young team gave the top-flight side a real scare, coming back from a two-goal deficit before a goal-line clearance denied them a shock lead.

And even though the Saints ultimately won the fourth-round tie 3-2, Pelach will be considering selection changes based on his team's performance on the south coast.

Sky pundits Simeon Gholam and David Prutton discussed the Stoke v Derby match during their latest Essential EFL podcast.

Discussing Stoke’s plight in the lower reaches of the table, and the arrival of Pelach from a coaching role at Norwich City in place of the sacked Steve Schumacher, Prutton said: “They obviously made the change thinking that their season was going to bounce, but they are not necessarily doing much with that at the moment considering their 19th place.

“But I think Derby are looking more and more solid as the games move on. I think they've made a cracking return to the Championship.”

The Rams go into the game on the back of consecutive 1-1 draws against Millwall, Oxford and Hull, but are three points and seven places better off than their hosts this weekend.

And asked for his score prediction at the bet365 Stadium, Prutton delivered a clear verdict. “I'm going to go Derby to win this nil-one,” he said.

What is your score prediction for Saturday? Click HERE to have your say

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