Derby County U21 face Blackburn Rovers U21 at Grange Park, Long Eaton, Derbyshire on Monday, Mar 1 at 8:00 PM in a basement battle that neither side can afford to lose. Both clubs are deep in the relegation picture in the Premier League 2, and defeat here could prove costly come the end of the season.

Derby County U21 come into this fixture out of form (1W 2L recently). Blackburn Rovers U21 travel out of form (1W 2L recently), which may hand the initiative to the hosts. Derby County U21 head into this on the back of a defeat, while Blackburn Rovers U21 arrive off a win — momentum clearly with the visitors.

Head-to-head records offer little separation — Derby County U21 and Blackburn Rovers U21 have split their 3 meetings almost evenly (1W–1D–1W). Their last encounter ended in Blackburn Rovers U21 won 1–4. These two tend to produce goals — averaging 3.0 per game in recent meetings.

Verdict: Little separates these two on form or history. Home advantage could be the deciding factor — a narrow Derby County U21 win or a draw looks most likely.