Preview: Derby County vs. West Bromwich Albion - prediction, team news, lineups

Promotion-seeking West Bromwich Albion visit Pride Park on Monday for their meeting against Derby County in round 24 of the Championship.

The home side recently ended a three-game winless streak last time out, while the visitors are yet to taste defeat in any of their last five outings.

Match preview

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West Brom were denied a third victory on the bounce following a goalless stalemate versus Barnsley two Fridays ago.

Despite enjoying the lion's share of the possession and territorial advantage, Valerien Ismael's men failed to find the breakthrough at Oakwell.

As a result, the Baggies have dropped to fourth place in the league standings, four points adrift of current leaders Fulham.

Monday's visitors will be looking to bounce back at a venue where they have not won on any of their last two trips since a 2-0 triumph in 2013.

However, they currently boast the division's best defensive record and will be confident of keeping their opponents at bay this time around.

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Derby County claimed a first victory in four matches by narrowly beating Blackpool 1-0 on December 11.

Luke Plange grabbed the only goal of the contest in the 51st minute to hand Wayne Rooney's men all three points.

The Rams remain rooted to the bottom of the league table, majorly due to a 21-point deduction earlier in the campaign.

Monday's hosts close out the year with a trip to Stoke City on Thursday, while their visitors entertain the challenge of Preston.

Team News

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The defensive duo of Kean Bryan and Dara O'Shea remain sidelined with muscle injuries and will not feature for the away side.

Robert Snodgrass has missed West Brom's last six games through an ankle problem, while Kenneth Zohore is yet to feature since August due to a damaged knee.

Derby are set to be without Sam Baldock, Krystian Bielik, Lee Buchanan and Jack Stretton, who are all ruled out through injury.

Nineteen-year-old Plange had a home debut to remember last time out and heads into Monday's clash with the wind in his sails.

Derby County possible starting lineup:
Allsop; Jagielka, Davies, Forsyth; Jozwiak, Knight, Bird, Shinnie, Williams; Plange, Lawrence

West Bromwich Albion possible starting lineup:
Johnstone; Clarke, Bartley, Kipre; Townsend, Mowatt, Livermore, Furlong; Grant, Robinson, Hugill

We say: Derby County 1-2 West Bromwich Albion

Derby have proven to be a tough nut to crack on home turf so far and will fancy their chances of securing a positive result, albeit against more illustrious opponents, and while we expect them to put in a good shift, we are also backing West Brom to get the job done come the final whistle.

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