Derby vs Middlesbrough preview: Championship clash live on Sky Sports red button
Watch live on Sky Sports red button or the mobile app on New Year's Day from 2.55pm.
Monday 31 December 2018 12:02, UK
Bradley Johnson will hope to be included in the Derby squad against Middlesbrough.
The midfielder was overlooked against his former club Norwich on Saturday, despite being available after serving a five-match ban.
Tom Huddlestone and Craig Bryson dropped to the bench at Carrow Road as Rams boss Frank Lampard made two changes. At least one of them could be recalled in midfield. Striker David Nugent will hope to feature against the club he left almost two years ago to sign for Derby.
Middlesbrough defender Ryan Shotton is another who will want to be involved against his former club. Shotton has missed the last two games with a knee injury and he will be assessed before Boro make the trip to Pride Park.
Adam Clayton, Paddy McNair, and Britt Assombalonga are vying for recalls after they were three changes made by Middlesbrough manager Tony Pulis for the home win against Ipswich. Striker Rudy Gestede remains sidelined with a hamstring problem.
Opta stats
Derby have won just one of their last eight league games against Middlesbrough (D2 L5), a 3-0 victory in November 2017.
The reverse fixture between Derby and Middlesbrough this season was a 1-1 draw - they haven't drawn both league clashes in the same season since 1903-04 in the top-flight.
Derby's last win on New Year's Day came in 2013 against Middlesbrough - they've drawn one and lost one since then.
Middlesbrough manager Tony Pulis has won each of his last three visits to Pride Park in all competitions, last losing there in February 2006 when in charge of Plymouth Argyle (0-1).
Derby haven't drawn three consecutive home league matches since December 2005.
Middlesbrough have won six of their last nine away matches in January in all competitions (D2 L1), conceding just three goals across those matches.
Prutton's prediction
What a victory for Derby on Saturday. To come back onto the pitch after the floodlights had gone out and score two goals to win the game was an incredible performance from Frank Lampard's side.
Middlesbrough had a far more comfortable afternoon at home to Ipswich so could be the fresher side heading to Pride Park, but they have struggled against the better sides this season and I fancy a home win.
David Prutton predicts: 2-0 (10/1 with Sky Bet)
