Derby vs Middlesbrough Prediction: Who can break their three-game winless streak?

Derby County endure a tough start to 2026 this Thursday, January 1 as they welcome second-placed Middlesbrough to Pride Park (14:50 GMT, Sky Sports+). The sides are both winless in their last three as the Rams face a Boro side for whom promotion to the Premier League is a firm New Year’s resolution.

Read further for my Derby vs Middlesbrough predictions, bolstered with the latest team news and match odds.

Team News

Bobby Clark, the on-loan Red Bull Salzburg midfielder, is a doubt after coming off against Leicester City. But one player the Rams can call upon again is Joe Ward. The 30-year-old winger returns after serving a suspension.

Derby boss John Eustace will have to do without Max Johnston, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since October. Midfielder David Ozoh hasn’t been seen since November, as he recovers from a recent setback. 

Football Odds

Derby also have the prolific Carlton Morris on the injured list. After scoring 10 goals in 16 league games this season, the 30-year-old suffered a serious ankle injury against Watford in November. The initial prognosis was a 10-12 week absence for the ex-Luton Town forward. 

Boro midfielder Riley McGree continues his recovery from a hamstring injury while forward David Strelec faces a late fitness test.

It is defence where the visitors are suffering most acutely. Dael Fry has been out since November with an ankle issue. Alfie Jones missed the defeat to Hull City, having pulled up in the 0-0 draw with Blackburn Rovers with an apparent foot problem. A hamstring injury has kept George Edmundson out since October.

Today's Football Fixtures

Derby vs Middlesbrough Odds

Eustace’s side are 2/1 for a much-needed victory in this New Year’s Day encounter. Boro are priced at 7/5 to get back to winning ways. The draw is priced up at 11/5.

Boro’s Scotland international Tommy Conway leads the goalscorer betting. He is 2/1 for an anytime strike, or 5/1 if you fancy him first. 

A headed goal during the day’s proceedings is 6/4 on the specials. A red card is 22/1 if you fancy the scarlet mist to descend on Pride Park.

Draw and both teams to score @ 3/1

Derby’s last three games have all seen both teams score, while they have drawn two of those three. Boro have a draw and two defeats while not scoring in any of those outings.

So why have I tipped both teams to score when the recent trend for Middlesbrough suggests otherwise? Because they have more quality than Derby, as evidenced by sitting 14 places above them in the table. They also had a run of eight games in which both teams scored between November 4 and December 13.

Boro are lacking most of their first-choice defence while Derby have kept just one clean sheet in their last 12 games. I’d be surprised if we did not get at least a goal for each side. But with both sides winless in their last three games, I don’t think Derby or Boro have enough killer instinct to secure three points.

Patrick Agyemang anytime goalscorer @ 9/4

Agyemang has been paired with Rhian Brewster and Ben Brereton-Diaz in attack recently. The former has just two goals to his name while Chile’s most surprising international has struck just once. 

That has left Agyemang carrying the can and his six goals, while not evidence of prolific instincts, have at least helped keep The Rams above water. His goal on Boxing Day secured a vital away point against the moneybags of Birmingham City. Eleven days earlier he bagged a brace to see off struggling Sheffield Wednesday. 

With my earlier suggestion leaning towards Derby getting on the scoresheet, I believe Agyemang is the man most likely to do the scoring.

Football - 2 Up Early Payout

Pre-Match bets on the 2 Up Early Payout market in selected games. Paid as a winner within 5 minutes if your team goes 2 goals ahead. Selected leagues only. 90 mins only. T&Cs Apply.

Sports Welcome Offer

New customers only. Deposit via Debit Card & place first bet £10+ (1/1+) on Sports in 7 days. £30 Sports & £20 Acca Free Bets within 10 hrs of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility, payment excl. & T&Cs Apply.

You can read all our latest Football Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights content hub.