Derby County aim to build on a rare home win as Wrexham arrive with attacking flair in a mid-table Championship clash.
After a hard-fought 1-0 win over Middlesbrough on New Year’s Day, the Rams will look to carry momentum forward.
Wrexham, meanwhile, have impressed with their goal-scoring exploits and quick transitions, setting the stage for a compelling showdown between a home side regaining form and an away team eager to push into the play-off picture.
Derby began 2026 in style, ending a three-game winless streak with a 1-0 triumph over promotion-chasing Middlesbrough.
Bobby Clark scored his first Championship goal of the season, securing all three points and halting a four-game winless run at Pride Park.
The result underlined Derby’s ability to grind out narrow victories, showing patience in attack and composure in defence—traits that will be essential against a Wrexham side known for rapid transitions and inventive attacking play.
Derby have been resilient in recent weeks, losing only once in their last six league matches while collecting key wins, including the triumph over Middlesbrough.
This mix of grit and inconsistency has left them in 11th place; five points shy of sixth-placed Preston North End after 25 games.
While Pride Park remains a venue where results have fluctuated this season, Eustace’s side have shown they can respond to setbacks, offering fans reason for optimism.
Wrexham, meanwhile, have caught the eye with their attacking exploits over the festive period, scoring twelve goals across their last five matches.
Their 2-0 win at Blackburn saw Oliver Rathbone and Sam Smith strike in the first half to secure three points, maintaining their momentum.
Sitting 10th and just three points off the play-offs, Wrexham combine energetic pressing with clever off-the-ball movement, making them a difficult side to contain, even with some key absences.
Derby will again be without top scorer Carlton Morris, sidelined with a knee problem, while Max Johnston remains out with a hamstring injury.
In their absence, the strike duo of Rhian Brewster and Patrick Agyemang has linked up well, providing pace, strength, and intelligent movement in behind opposition defences.
Defensively, Dion Sanderson is expected to continue at the heart of the back three, bringing experience and stability to a unit that will need to stay alert to Wrexham’s counterattacks.
Wrexham are likely to be without Kieffer Moore, who is still recovering from a hamstring injury, while Josh Windass will be assessed after a calf problem sustained during the 2-1 win over Preston North End on 29th December.
Both missed the 2-0 win over Blackburn earlier this week. Additional absences include Ryan Hardie (knee) and Issa Kabore, away on international duty with Burkina Faso at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite these challenges, the Red Dragons have adapted well, with Rathbone and Lewis O’Brien providing creativity and drive to stretch defences.
Their depth and tactical flexibility will be crucial if they are to threaten Derby at Pride Park.
For Derby County, John Eustace is expected to stick with his 3-5-2 system. Jacob Zetterstrom will start in goal behind a back three of Sondre Langas, Sanderson, and Matthew Clarke.
The midfield five is likely to include Joe Ward, Liam Thompson, Eboi Adams, Callum Elder, and Clark, balancing defensive cover with attacking support.
Up front, Brewster and Agyemang form a complementary strike partnership, blending movement, strength, and finishing ability.
Wrexham are predicted to line up in a 4-3-2-1 formation. Arthur Okonkwo will start in goal, with Dan Scarr, Dominic Hyam, Callum Doyle, and Ryan Longman in defence.
Their midfield trio of George Dobson, Matthew James, and George Thomason will look to control the centre and provide protection for the back four.
In attack, Rathbone and O’Brien will operate just behind lone striker Smith, combining creativity and movement to test Derby’s defensive structure.
Derby’s 3-5-2 setup allows them to dominate midfield while providing width through wingbacks.
Brewster and Agyemang offer strength, movement, and intelligent positioning, capable of holding up the ball and exploiting gaps in Wrexham’s defence.
This system also allows rapid transitions between attack and defence, helping Derby remain balanced even under sustained pressure.
Wrexham’s 4-3-2-1 formation prioritises solidity while staying dangerous on the counter.
The midfield trio shields the defence and recycles possession, while Rathbone and O’Brien operate between the lines to create chances for lone striker Smith.
Their pace, movement, and set-piece threat make them dangerous, particularly if Derby commit too many players forward.
Pride Park gives Derby County a slight edge, but this promises to be a tense, hard-fought encounter.
If the Rams control the midfield, use their wingbacks effectively, and stay compact at the back, they have the tools to snatch victory.
Wrexham, with their quick transitions, clever movement, and ability to punish defensive lapses, will certainly test Derby’s discipline.
Expect a lively contest, with the home side’s tactical discipline and attacking partnerships likely to tip the balance in a close finish.
Score Prediction: Derby County 2–1 Wrexham
