League One betting tips: Sheffield Wednesday vs Derby County
- George Dempsey
- 6 May 2023
Sheffield Wednesday and Derby County could be a dress rehearsal for the play-off semi-finals if the visitors can secure their spot in the top six.
Only two points separate Derby and seventh-placed Peterborough United going into the final day of the season so if the Rams slip up against Sheffield Wednesday, they could be out of the play-off places.
Date, KO time and TV coverage
League One, Sunday 7 May, Kick-off 12pm, live on Sky Sports
Predicted score
Suggested betting tips
Sheffield Wednesday to win
Both teams to score
Key stats
Sheffield Wednesday have lost just one of their last 31 League One matches at Hillsborough.
Both teams have scored in eight of Sheffield Wednesday's last 11 matches.
Derby County are yet to win an away game against a team in the top half of the table.
Both teams have scored in 11 of Derby's last 15 League One away matches.
Verdict
While Sheffield Wednesday have nothing to play for on the final day, Derby County may need to pick up at least a point to secure their spot in the League One play-offs.
The Rams are two points clear of the Posh and have a better goal difference by three. Even though a draw gives them a very strong chance of getting over the line, they will need to keep an eye on what free-scoring Peterborough are doing against Barnsley.
Derby County have failed to win 14 times on their travels this season. Although they may not need to win or pick up a point at all, their approach will be dictated by what's happening at Oakwell.
Paul Warne's side have done just enough to keep themselves on the right side of the dotted line in recent weeks, despite a mixed bag of performances.
They were patient and efficient against Burton and put on an improved display against Portsmouth in the second half. However, they were wasteful against MK Dons and made themselves sitting ducks at Bristol Rovers. Their extremely negative approach saw them concede a late equaliser in a game they really should have lost.
While Derby deserve some credit for going unbeaten in their last six matches, five of their opponents were placed 14th or lower. They have been unable to put together such runs against top teams, who they simply haven't contained.
Ipswich, Plymouth, Barnsley, Peterborough and Wycombe have all beaten Derby in 2023, scoring at least two goals in the process. They also haven't recorded a single away win against a side in the top half of League One, which is why we're fancying Wednesday here.
