Promotion-chasing Leeds United will try to extend their four-game unbeaten run when they head to Pride Park for Sunday's clash with Derby County.
Leeds are sitting top of the Championship table on goal difference, while the Rams will enter the final game of 2024 in 14th position.
Match preview
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After winning promotion from League One last season, Derby will be content with their current position at the halfway stage of their first Championship campaign since 2021-22.
Paul Warne's side are sitting eight points clear of the bottom three after winning seven, drawing six and losing 10 of their 23 league matches.
The Rams have recorded two of those victories in their last three games, recording home wins against Portsmouth and West Bromwich Albion, either side of a 2-1 away defeat against Luton Town.
Derby established a two-goal lead in their Boxing Day clash against the Baggies thanks to a Jerry Yates brace and a Mason Holgate own goal, before Grady Diangana pulled a goal back in the 81st minute to set up a nervy finish.
The Rams ultimately saw out the remainder of the contest to extend their unbeaten run in home meetings with West Brom to eight competitive matches.
Unfortunately for Derby, they have not experienced the same success in recent games against Leeds at Pride Park, having failed to win any of their last four home meetings (D1, L3) since they clinched a 1-0 victory in October 2016.
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Leeds claimed a 2-0 away win over Stoke City on Boxing Day to take advantage of Sheffield United's defeat against Burnley to move to the top of the table.
Joel Piroe netted a brace at the bet365 Stadium to fire Leeds to their fourth victory in five matches, moving them above Sheffield United on goal difference and keeping them one point above third-placed Burnley.
Daniel Farke's side are currently the highest scorers in the second tier with 43 goals, while they also boast the third-best defensive record with 15 goals conceded in 23 league matches.
They have also recorded three clean sheets in their last five matches, including a shutout in their reverse fixture against Derby earlier this month.
Goals from Joe Rodon and Maximilian Wober secured Leeds a 2-0 victory when the two sides met at Elland Road on December 7.
The first goal could be crucial if Leeds are to complete a league double, having won 13 of their 14 league matches where they have opened the scoring this season (D1).
Team News
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Derby centre-back Eiran Cashin is set for a third consecutive game after picking up a hamstring problem in the 4-0 win over Portsmouth earlier this month.
The hosts are also without defender Ryan Nyambe and midfielder David Ozoh due to knee and quad injuries respectively.
Ben Osborn will have to be assessed ahead of Sunday's home fixture after sitting out the Boxing Day win against West Brom because of an injury issue.
The hosts remain without the services of full-back Junior Firpo and midfielder Ilia Gruev with hamstring and knee injuries respectively.
Wober will have to be assessed by Leeds' medical staff after missing the last two matches against Oxford and Stoke.
Farke may decide to keep changes to a minimum, although he could be tempted to bring Ao Tanaka back into the starting lineup.
Derby County possible starting lineup:
Widell Zetterstrom; Wilson, Nelson, Phillips, Elder; Goudmijn, Adams, Harness; Jackson, Mendez-Laing, Jackson
Leeds United possible starting lineup:
Meslier; Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Byram; Ampadu, Rothwell; James, Aaronson, Solomon; Piroe
We say: Derby County 2-2 Leeds United
Derby have avoided defeat in three of their last four matches, and while they face an almighty test in their home clash against the league leaders, we think that they will do enough to hold Leeds to a draw in their final match of the calendar year.
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