Match preview

Derby were promoted from League One last season, so avoiding relegation is their main aim for this term, and by that standard, it has thus far been a relatively successful campaign for the club.

Indeed, a record of seven wins, six draws and 14 defeats from 27 matches has brought them 27 points, which has left them in 19th spot in the table, one point above the relegation zone.

Paul Warne's side are in worrying form, though, losing each of their last five matches in all competitions, including a 2-0 defeat to Watford on Saturday, while they were also knocked out of the FA Cup by Leyton Orient in the third round.

Derby, who have a huge game against fellow strugglers Cardiff City next weekend, have picked up 20 of their 27 points on home soil this season, which should hand them confidence ahead of their clash with Sunderland.

The Rams have not managed to overcome Sunderland in any competition since February 2001 in the Premier League, though, and it was 2-0 to the Black Cats in the reverse game earlier this term.

Sunderland incredibly had two penalties saved in the latter stages of their Championship clash with Burnley on Friday night, with goalkeeper James Trafford twice keeping out Wilson Isidor, as the points were shared in a goalless draw.

In the grand scheme of things, a point at Burnley is a strong result, but that is not the case considering the circumstances, with the Black Cats passing up the chance to secure a huge three points at the home of one of their promotion rivals.

Sunderland are fourth in the Championship table, boasting a record of 14 wins, nine draws and four defeats from 27 matches, which has seen them collect 51 points, just four points behind second-placed Sheffield United.

Regis Le Bris's side have the fourth-best away record in the Championship this season, picking up 20 points from 14 matches, and they were 4-1 winners on their last visit to Derby in the Championship back in March 2018.

Sunderland are 10 points ahead of seventh-placed Middlesbrough and therefore comfortable in the playoff spots, but they will be determined to push closer to the automatic promotion positions at such a vital stage of the campaign.

Derby County possible starting lineup:

Zetterstrom; Wilson, Nelson, Cashin, Elder; Adams, Osborn; Jackson, Goudmijn, Mendez-Laing; Yates

Sunderland possible starting lineup:

Patterson; Hume, Mepham, O'Nien, Cirkin; Roberts, Neil, Bellingham, Le Fee; Rigg, Isidor