The Rams travel to Broadhall Way on Saturday, where they will look to overtake their opponent Stevenage. This match should be tight and decided by fine margins.
Stevenage
Steve Evans' side have been slightly inconsistent this season, but that is expected and you could say that they have overperformed since earning promotion. Stevenage sit in seventh on 23 points after 15 matches. Boro have netted 19 times this season, which is not a terrible record, but they must start looking for goal sources other than Jamie Reid, who has scored just less than half of their goals. Stevenage are also rather solid in the defensive third, conceding 1.07 goals per game.
Last time out, Stevenage picked up a point on the road to Bristol Rovers after a 1-1 draw. Reid has scored all of Stevenage's last four goals and he opened the scoring in the first half. The hosts piled on the pressure in the second half and deservedly got the equaliser ten minutes from time.
Derby
Paul Wayne's side have the second best away record in League One this season, winning four of those seven matches, which puts them in a great position this weekend. After 13 matches, Derby are in 8th place and most of their performances have been built around their strong defensive unit. The Rams have the joint second best goals conceded record in the league, with an average of 0.92.
Derby got back to winning ways this week, when they beat Exeter 2-0 at home. Nathaniel Mendez-Laing was a handful all game, making 4 key passes, having seven shots and scoring the opener on the half hour mark. The Rams put on their most convincing display yet and they will be disappointed they only netted twice.
Verdict?
If Derby perform how they did versus Exeter then they should be able to win this game, however Stevenage will be a much sterner test. Both sides excel at defending and either side could steal the win, but they may just cancel each other out.
The final prediction is Stevenage 1-1 Derby.
