Boro's lack of goals makes a Rams raid look value

Sky Bet Championship
Sky Sports Football & Main Event, 12.30pm Saturday

Derby have demonstrated their Sky Bet Championship promotion credentials with victories at home to Sheffield United (2-1) and away to West Brom (4-1) and they can claim another major scalp by beating second-placed Middlesbrough at the Riverside.

It was a summer of change for Derby, who appointed Frank Lampard as manager and made nine signings.

There was also a significant change of playing style to a more possession-based approach and the Rams struggled for consistency early in the campaign.

However, Derby demonstrated their potential last month by knocking Manchester United out of the EFL Cup and they have taken a further steps forward since the international break.

West Brom had some key absentees in midweek with Jake Livermore suspended and Gareth Barry injured, but Derby were in a ruthless frame of mind as they handed out a lesson to the title favourites.

Lampard's charges are playing as well as anyone in the division and that is bad news for Middlesbrough, who are eager to atone for a dismal 0-0 draw at home to Rotherham on Tuesday.

Boro have the best defensive record in the division but are the lowest scorers among the top nine teams and average just 1.14 goals per league game.

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Tony Pulis always sets up his sides to be tough to beat but his cautious approach may need to be modified if Boro are to secure enough wins for automatic promotion.

They looked toothless in a 2-0 loss at home to Nottingham Forest and could be exposed by the Rams, who are emerging as strong title contenders.

Recommendation
Derby draw no bet
1pt 13-8 general

Bet on this match at Soccerbase.com

Team news
Middlesbrough
Ryan Shotton (knee) missed the 0-0 draw with Rotherham and faces a spell on the sidelines.

Derby
Craig Bryson (calf), George Evans and Joe Ledley (all hip) have been ruled out.

Key stat
Middlesbrough have failed to score in their last three home matches.

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