Derby vs Sheffield United predictions: Rams can roll into the playoffs against blunt Blades
Warren Ashurst
Derby have won their last six Championship home matches
Sheffield United have won just one of their last four away matches
Recommended bet: Derby to win @ 4/6 with LiveScore Bet
Derby sit on the cusp of capping a terrific season by dramatically securing the final playoff spot and have the chance of promotion to the Premier League.
They could even have the easiest match of those teams hoping to qualify, with Sheffield United assured of a mid-table finish. It has been a disappointing season for last year's playoff finalists, who come into this after two defeats.
The match takes place at 12.30 pm this Saturday, alongside all the other Championship matches, on the final day of the season.
The latest Derby v Sheffield United odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Team news
Derby remain without exciting talisman Patrick Agyemang, who is out for a lengthy period after suffering an Achilles tendon injury this month. Their attack is depleted, with winger Bobby Clark and Rhian Brewster also doubtful.
For Sheffield United, Michael Cooper, Tyrese Campbell, Kalvin Phillips and Sam McCallum all remain sidelined.
The latest Derby v Sheffield United odds are available on LiveScore Bet
The stats
Derby have won three of their last five matches in the second tier, while they have won six in a row at Pride Park.
Sheffield United have lost back-to-back games in the Championship, while they have tasted defeat in three of their last five.
The Blades have won three of their of their last six games against Derby in competitive matches.
The latest Derby v Sheffield United odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Prediction
Derby's upturn in home form could have come at just the right time, as they have made Pride Park a winning fortress in recent months.
John Eustace's side sit top of the form table for home matches in the last five games, and are the only side to have picked up the maximum 15 points in them. They have won their last six games at home.
On four of those occasions, they have kept clean sheets, including the last three times when seeing off Birmingham, Stoke and Oxford.
Their away form has meant they have been inconsistent, and could be costly come the end of the season, but they bounced back from a 2-1 defeat at Norwich to beat QPR 3-2 last time.
While Sheffield United were victorious in their last away match, 2-0 at Watford, they have backed that up with two poor home defeats to Blackburn and Preston.
Their Watford triumph also masked inconsistency on the road, given they lost to Bristol City and Norwich, with a draw at Birmingham sandwiched in between.
It has all come in a season of toil for Sheffield United, who were widely tipped for promotion after their playoff final heartbreak against Sunderland last season.
With 12 losses on the road this season, only three sides have lost more away matches than they have this campaign and the Blades look like they are focusing towards next season already.
This looks like a great opportunity for Derby to capitalise on their out-of-tune rivals.
Back Derby to win at 4/6 with LiveScore Bet
Score prediction: Derby 3-1 Sheffield United
The latest Derby v Sheffield United odds are available on LiveScore Bet
