West Brom vs Derby preview: Championship clash live on Sky Sports Football
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Tuesday 23 October 2018 16:19, UK
Jake Livermore is suspended for West Brom's Sky Bet Championship clash with Derby.
The midfielder serves a one-match ban after being sent off for two yellow cards during Saturday's defeat at Wigan. Albion defender Craig Dawson, who came off with a knock at the DW Stadium, is a doubt, along with midfielder Gareth Barry, who has a minor injury issue.
Forward Matt Phillips has not played for a month and could miss out again with a muscle problem, while recent signing Bakary Sako is awaiting his Baggies debut after working on his fitness.
Derby midfielder Craig Bryson will be absent for the visit to The Hawthorns. The 31-year-old, who has started every league game for the Rams this season, limped off with a calf injury in the first half of the weekend victory over Sheffield United.
Summer signing George Evans, who picked up a knee injury in August, remains sidelined after sustaining a hip problem in training. Wales international Joe Ledley is unavailable following a hip operation.
Opta stats
West Brom and Derby haven't faced since January 2017 in the FA Cup - the Rams won 2-1 at the Hawthorns.
Derby have won one of their last 14 away league matches against West Brom (D4 L9), a 2-1 victory in March 1994.
West Brom have won their last five home league games, their best home winning run since April 2010 under Roberto Di Matteo (a run of nine wins).
Live EFL
Craig Bryson's goal after 17 seconds in Derby's last game against Sheffield United was the quickest scored in the Championship since November 2017 (Adam Reach for Sheffield Wednesday against Aston Villa, 16 seconds).
West Brom have scored 20 goals in just six home league games this season - only one fewer than they scored in 19 home league matches last season (21).
Derby have lost just one of their last 18 matches in October in all competitions (W12 D5), a 0-1 defeat at Huddersfield in October 2016.
Prutton's prediction
While I have been impressed with Wigan this season I must admit I was a little surprised to see them beat West Brom, and keep them from scoring as well! Only Middlesbrough had done that to Darren Moore's side before Saturday.
Derby got a great win against Sheffield United and they have a massive week to come. After this game they head to Middlesbrough then Chelsea in the Carabao Cup. There should be goals at The Hawthorns and it's tough to call, but I'm going to tip the Rams to edge it.
David Prutton predicts: 2-3 (33/1 with Sky Bet)
