Sheffield Wednesday vs Derby County Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | EFL Championship 2025-26

Wednesday are unbeaten in their last six meetings against Derby County!

Rock-bottom Sheffield Wednesday come into this game in poor shape, having gone 13 Championship matches without a win, and they sit bottom of the table with just one victory and a -22 goal difference this season.

Manager Henrik Pedersen has a tough job on his hands as he tries to lift a struggling squad, made worse by the 12-point deduction hanging over the club. The Owls will miss midfielder Barry Bannan, with the coaching staff planning to rest him because of a groin problem, and his absence could hurt their grip on the tempo in midfield.

💬 "I didn't really play too much last year, but the manager has put a lot of faith in me and I want to repay him."I want to show everyone what I'm about. At this moment in time, I've scored a few goals, I’m enjoying being out there but it’s the wins we all really want.."🔗… pic.twitter.com/V4Fx9aAb3B

— Sheffield Wednesday (@swfc) December 10, 2025

Derby County, who sit 16th, have had an uneven campaign of their own but look steadier than the home side. They have picked up one win and suffered two defeats in their last five matches. The Rams arrive with fewer injury concerns, but they still need to tighten things up at the back, as both sides have leaked goals regularly this season.

The recent head-to-head picture leans towards the Owls, who have avoided defeat in their last six games against Derby, including a 4-2 home win in January 2025. That run points to a close contest that could see goals at both ends, with pride and valuable points on the line.

Kick-off:

• Location: Sheffield, England
• Stadium: Hillsborough
• Date: Tuesday, December 16
• Kick-off Time: 1:30 AM IST
• Referee: Lewis Smith
• VAR: In use

Form:

Sheffield Wednesday (in all competitions): D-L-L-L-L

Derby County (in all competitions): D-L-L-W-L

Players to watch out for:

Barry Bannan (Sheffield Wednesday):

Barry Bannan stands out as Sheffield Wednesday’s player to watch in this game. The midfielder leads the side creatively and remains central to their play. So far this season, he has made 20 Championship appearances, scoring three goals and providing two assists from midfield.

Patrick Agyemang (Derby County):

Patrick Agyemang shapes up as Derby County’s key player to watch in this fixture. The forward offers pace, strength, and a direct threat in the final third. He has featured in 16 Championship matches so far this season and has scored three goals, giving the Rams a vital attacking outlet.

Match Facts:

• Sheffield Wednesday are unbeaten in their last six meetings with Derby County across all competitions, including winning the last two encounters this season (4-2 and 2-1 victories).
• Sheffield Wednesday are at the bottom of the Championship table and have not won a league match in their last 13 attempts.
• Both teams have shown defensive frailties this season, suggesting a potentially high-scoring game; Sheffield Wednesday have conceded 37 goals and Derby County 28 in their respective 19 matches so far this season.

Sheffield Wednesday vs Derby County: Betting Tips and Odds:

• Derby County to win: 2.32 as per 1xBet.
• Both teams to score – Yes: 1.83 as per Winmatch.
• Total goals over 2.5: 1.67 as per 1Win.

Injuries and Team News:

Several absences for this match could stretch Sheffield Wednesday. Di’Shon Bernard, George Brown, and Olaf Kobacki are all nursing injuries and may not return until late December. Ernie Weaver and Guilherme Siqueira remain sidelined for the season, limiting defensive and squad depth options.

Derby County may have to cope without several key players for this fixture. Carlton Morris remains sidelined with a knee injury, while David Ozoh, Lewis Travis, Max Johnston, and Owen Beck are all recovering from muscle problems and are unlikely to feature before late December.

Head-To-Head stats:

• Total matches: 26
• Sheffield Wednesday won: 6
• Derby County won: 10
• Draws: 10

Predicted Starting Lineups:

Sheffield Wednesday Predicted Starting Lineup (3-5-2):

Horvat; Palmer, Otegbayo, Valery; Amass, Inglesson, Lowe, McNeill, Fusir; Kadamarteri, Bannan

Derby County Predicted Lineup (3-5-2):

Widdell-Setterstrom; Clarke, Sanderson, Lango; Elder, Clarke, Adams, Brereton, Ward; Agyemang, Salvesen

Match Prediction:

Derby County will secure a narrow victory. Sheffield Wednesday’s current form is abysmal, and they are bottom of the table. Derby’s slightly superior position and form should be enough to overcome the Owls’ home advantage in a closely fought match.

Prediction: Sheffield Wednesday 1-2 Derby County

Telecast Details

India: FanCode

USA: CBS Sports Network

UK: Sky Sports TV, Sky Sports+

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