Prediction: Derby vs Fulham

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 12/5

Bookmaker: bet365

Derby County and Fulham have been two of the best teams in the Championship this season, and as such, they’ll battle it out for a place in the Championship playoff final at Wembley. These two legs will define the campaign for these sides, who have both endured over 50 competitive games on their way to getting to this stage. You’d think Fulham would be favourites, but the Rams have been here before.

Derby

Derby County have been labelled ‘bottlers’ for the last few years, after failing to secure promotion to the Premier League despite coming close on several occasions. It seemed as if they were going to slip out of playoff contention yet again this season, but under the guidance of Gary Rowett, they’ve been able to steady the ship and they’re heading into this game with some momentum.

Team News

There are no fresh injury concerns for Derby, although Winnall and Anya are still out.

Fulham

The Cottagers are a team that many casual fans want to see return to the Premier League, especially after their phenomenal unbeaten run towards the end of the campaign. It seemed as if they may sneak through the back door and claim automatic promotion ahead of Cardiff City, but now that they’re in the playoffs, you have to question how that failure will impact them.

Team News

Neeskens Kebano and Sheyi Ojo are both doubts, with Targett set to be a gameday decision.

Factors to Consider

• The two teams drew in their first meeting this season, with Fulham winning the second encounter 2-1.
• Fulham finished in 3rd with 88 points and 25 wins.
• Derby finished in 6th with 75 points and 20 wins.
• The Rams are unbeaten in their last three games after losing three in a row in April.
• Fulham are coming off the back of a loss to Birmingham after going 23 league games unbeaten.

Conclusion

It’s virtually impossible to predict how two teams will handle the pressure of a playoff semi-final but in this instance, we feel like the nerves are going to take over both sides. With Derby and Fulham both possessing a great deal of quality in their ranks, we’ll say 1-1 which means it’ll all come down to what happens at Craven Cottage.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 12/5

Bookmaker: bet365