Derby County travel to face Oxford United in the Championship on Tuesday evening as both sides sit level on points after 10 matches.
Derby County finally put a halt to their run of successive defeats away from home at the weekend after drawing 1-1 with Millwall at the Den.
The Rams went ahead through loan man Jerry Yates, though were soon pegged back after a mistake put the Lions’ Mihailo Ivanovic clear through on goal in the 85th minute.
Paul Warne’s men currently occupy 12th spot in the table having accumulated 13 points so far, the same amount of points as their upcoming hosts who sit one spot above them in 11th due to better goal difference as things stand.
Oxford United have enjoyed a steady start to their long-awaited second tier return and have proven that they are ready to compete, not just make up the numbers.
Des Buckingham’s side have drawn their last four outings, most recently salvaging a point through Dane Scarlett’s injury time header to level things up at 1-1 against West Brom on home soil.
The U’s are familiar with Derby County following the previous two seasons that the sides spent together in League One, but a raft of changes to both squads over the summer lends a different feeling to this meeting.
Here, a handful of our writers make their prediction for the game…
Jacob Hackett
“Seeing as the Rams have finally put an end to their run of consecutive losses away from home, Warne’s men will head into this encounter with a weight lifted off their shoulders.
“Having said that, they will still be desperate to pick up their first victory on their travels and the Kassam Stadium might not be the easiest place to achieve that feat.
“Buckingham’s side have been somewhat of a surprise package so far this campaign and will feel confident of extending their unbeaten run to five games by beating their visitors on Tuesday.
“My gut feeling is that the hosts take all three points on this occasion. I can see both sides getting on the scoresheet, but Oxford sealing a narrow victory this time around.”
Prediction: Oxford United 2-1 Derby County
James Ray
“Oxford United are still doing far better than many expected them to do upon the rise to the Championship but with four straight draws, you just wonder whether they’re starting to slow down after an electric start.
“They may start to slip down the table over the coming weeks and months, but I do think this is a very winnable game for them.
“Derby County just can’t find wins away from home. They came so close against Millwall at the weekend but with the Kassam Stadium faithful sure to be right up for it, I think the Rams head back to Pride Park with nothing to show for their efforts.”