Derby County desperately need points on Saturday, Dec 5 at 1:30 PM in the Championship. With the team sitting in the bottom three, this is quickly becoming a must-win situation.

Middlesbrough come into this fixture drawing too many games (3D in last 5). Derby County travel struggling badly (1W 3L in last 5), which may hand the initiative to the hosts.

Head-to-head records offer little separation — Middlesbrough and Derby County have split their 10 meetings almost evenly (4W–2D–3W). Their last encounter ended in Middlesbrough won 0–1.

Verdict: The gulf in league position makes Middlesbrough clear favorites, but Derby County have shown they can grind out results. Expect Middlesbrough to take the points, potentially without being at their best.