Derby v Barnsley preview
Friday 4 May 2018 15:07, UK
Derby midfielder George Thorne is back in contention for the home game against Barnsley.
Thorne has been left out of the match-day squad since the end of March, but boss Gary Rowett hinted he could be involved on the final day.
Rowett has no other new injury or suspension worries following last week's draw at Aston Villas as his side bid to secure a play-off place. Forward Sam Winnall (knee) and Scotland international Ikechi Anya (calf) continue their recovery from long-term injury.
Barnsley defender Matt Mills is available again as his side look to avoid relegation. Mills has made just one appearance since February due to a back problem, but has trained this week and could be included in the squad.
Goalkeeper Jack Walton is expected to continue after making his debut in the recent defeat at Nottingham Forest. Boss Jose Morais has no new injury concerns, but winger Lloyd Isgrove (hamstring) is still out.
Opta stats
The Rams have lost one of their last 15 home league matches against Barnsley (W10 D4), a 3-2 defeat in September 2009.
These sides have met twice already this season, with both sides winning one game each - Barnsley won a League Cup tie while Derby won the reverse Championship fixture.
Derby haven't won their final league match of a season since 2012-13, when they beat Millwall; they have drawn two and lost two since.
Barnsley have lost five consecutive away league matches, last going on a longer run of away defeats back in February 2015 (run of seven).
Barnsley have used the most players in the Championship this season (35 - tied with Nottingham Forest).
Cameron Jerome has scored in back to back league games for this first time since April 2017 for Norwich - he last scored in three consecutive appearances in October 2016.
Prutton's prediction
What a massive win that was for Barnsley against Brentford last week. It gave the Tykes real hope of avoiding the drop at a time when they looked doomed.
Derby realistically only need a point to book their place in the play-offs, but playing for a draw is not always easy. Preston will be desperate for the Rams to slip up, and I just have a feeling that Barnsley will edge this one. Although I think Gary Rowett's side will finish in the top six regardless.
David Prutton predicts: 0-1 (12/1 with Sky Bet)
