Derby v Leicester: Rams well priced to progress in East Midlands clash

They’ve already beaten one Premier League outfit this year but Derby County will be out to prove that their victory against West Bromwich Albion was by no means a fluke.

Their reward for that victory at the Hawthorns? An Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round clash with reigning Premier League champions, Leicester City.

But Steve McClaren’s men needn’t fear the Foxes, as there’s arguably never been a better time to play them.

Having won just two of their last eight matches in all competitions, Claudio Ranieri’s men have struggled to replicate even a fraction of the kind of form that took them all the way in the top-flight last year.

They’ve also failed to score in five of those games, while seven of Derby’s last nine victories have come without their opponents finding the net.

With all of that in mind, there could well be some value in the 7/2 on offer for Derby to win to nil.

Back-to-back 3-0 defeats have left Leicester just five points ahead of the relegation zone, while Derby are two points off a Championship play-off spot.

Will this pair pass each other in the league come May? It’s unlikely, but that’s not to say the Rams won’t give their opponents a game.

However, a quick look at the head-to-head record between these two points towards an away win.

Of their last nine meetings with Derby, Leicester have won eight.

Does that point towards yet another Foxes victory at 13/8?

They’ll have to find a way of stopping Darren Bent and Tom Ince if that is to be the case.

Between them, they’ve scored seven of Derby’s last nine goals. And with the latter having opened the scoring on five previous occasions this season, he’s well priced at 11/2 to do exactly that on Friday.

Unbeaten in their last nine at home, Derby will certainly fancy their chances. Meanwhile, Leicester have won just twice on the road this season in all competitions. That means there could be some value in the 1/2 on offer for Derby in the Double Chance market.

But we’re going to stick our necks on the line and get on the 4/1 Tom Ince to score and Derby to prevail Wincast.

Click here for a full list of Derby v Leicester odds.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing