Derby seek a standings lift against Norwich

Derby need a response

Derby have conceded 11 goals in their last five matches, a striking defensive run that underlines the scale of their challenge against Norwich. The sides meet at Pride Park on Tuesday with Derby 23rd on seven points and Norwich 15th on 15 after 13 matches. Derby’s aim is to turn that gap into a climb up the standings, while Norwich will look to protect their advantage.

The standings make this a significant test for the hosts, but there is no easy route to three points: Norwich have scored seven times across their last five games, while Derby have managed four.

Recent form points to a tight contest

Derby have won once in 13 league matches and drawn four, with eight defeats. Their last five have brought four goals scored and 11 conceded, while they have yet to win at home in six attempts.

Norwich have five wins and eight losses, with no draws in their 13 matches. Their recent five-game return is more balanced: seven goals for and seven against. They have also scored 10 times in six away league matches, suggesting Derby’s defence will need to be more secure than it has been lately.

Norwich edge the recent meetings

The last five Championship meetings have produced three Norwich wins, one Derby victory and one draw. Norwich won the latest, 2-1 in April 2026, but Derby took the most recent meeting at Pride Park, winning 1-0 in October 2025.

Absences could shape the plans

Derby have eight players marked unavailable: P. Agyemang, E. Cashin, M. Clarke, C. Forsyth, S. Langas, D. Murkin, C. Taylor and L. Travis. Norwich are without A. Ahmed, P. A. Diallo, G. Forsyth and M. Toure, while P. Mattsson is questionable.

Norwich’s scoring threat, Derby’s opportunity

Norwich have scored 23 league goals, more than twice Derby’s 11, and have found the net 10 times on the road. Yet they have also conceded 24, so Derby may find openings if they can improve on their recent attacking return. Norwich’s 15 goals conceded at home and away combined are close to Derby’s 25, but Derby’s poorer goal difference reflects their difficulties keeping matches under control.

Our prediction

PreviaXI’s model gives Derby a narrow edge, with the home side’s slight attacking advantage enough to tip a close contest. Norwich’s recent scoring form should keep the visitors in it, but Derby’s need for points could make the difference at Pride Park.

Derby 2-1 Norwich