Bielsa set for a Ram raid at Pride Park? - (2025)

Updated: 23/01/2025

The Championship play-offs are exciting enough. But Derby v Leeds delivers historic rivalry, a simmering feud between a pair of top-class managers and two clubs desperate to return to the promised land.

It should be a corker. The sides may have ended the season in contrasting form, with Derby sneaking in on the final day and Leeds stumbling away at already-relegated Ipswich Town, but they’ll both be up for this.

We can’t wait. And we’ve previewed the tie in our Championship Play-Off Betting Tips.

Match Odds

Derby are in terrific nick. Not only are they on a six-match unbeaten run, they’ve also only lost three times at Pride Park all season. Leeds, by contrast, have lost three of their last four away matches in the Championship.

Form often goes out the window in the play-offs, though. United have proved the stronger side over the course of the season and are 11/8 favourites in 90 minutes, against 21/10 for the hosts.

Similarly, it’s 21/10 about the Draw. The Whites have won both previous meetings this season by at least a two-goal margin, however, so we go 20/1 about a 3-1 away success here.

Talking Tactics

Marcelo Bielsa is expected to welcome back Tyler Roberts after the youngster missed the defeat to Ipswich. He’ll join an attack-minded four-man midfield alongside the likes of Pablo Hernandez and Jack Harrison.

Kemar Roofe should retain his place as the focal point of the attack. Further back Kalvin Phillips provides a crucial shield in front of the central-defensive pair of Liam Cooper and Pontus Jansson.

Derby didn’t have the chance to rest players last week as they pushed to qualify for the play-offs. Frank Lampard could stick with the same side as a result, with Tom Lawrence available after escaping a ban for diving.

Can Lampard guide Derby to a first-leg success?

He’ll form part of a three-pronged attack, where Martyn Waghorn is expected to feature providing he’s recovered from injury. Jack Marriott will deputise if not, while Duane Holmes and Mason Mount may also start.

Goalscorer Odds

No Patrick Bamford means Roofe will should the burden for Leeds. He’s struck three in two matches against Derby this season and is 4/1 to Score First or 12/1 for a second brace of the season at Pride Park.

Hernandez is next best at 21/10 Anytime, with Mateusz Klichand Jack Harrison both further back. Jansson will relish this occasion and is a real threat from set-pieces. He’s 11/1 for his fourth goal of the season.

For the hosts, Waghorn and Jack Marriott leading the betting at 5/2 apiece, with 17-goal man Wilson a taking 3/1 Anytime or 7/1 to Score First in front of the home crowd.

Fellow loanee Mount has also been in decent nick of late. He’s a 4/1 chance, with Duane Holmes at 9/2.

Match Info:

Where: Pride Park.

When: 5:15pm, Saturday 11th May.

How to Watch: Sky Sports Main Event.

View the latest Derby County v Leeds United odds.

All odds and markets correct as of date of publication

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