Sky Sports pundit David Prutton has admitted that things look 'bleak' for Derby County right now, and he expects things to get worse as he backed Preston to win tonight's crucial game at Deepdale.

A run of one win in 11 games has left Wayne Rooney's side just one place and four points above the relegation zone, with 22nd placed Rotherham having two games in hand.

So, the Rams are in real danger and they will know the importance of three points against North End later on.

However, writing in his regular prediction column, Prutton believes the hosts will make it another 'difficult evening' for the East Midlands outfit, as he went for a 1-0 home win.

If that did happen, the Rams would be watching on nervously tomorrow when Rotherham prepare to take on Middlesbrough.

Despite their own struggles, Derby will be confident against a Preston side that have won just one in nine themselves, and they were hammered 5-0 by Brentford in their last home game.

Preston did win the reverse fixture at Pride Park though, with a late Alan Browne goal the difference between the sides.

The verdict

This is a massive game for Derby County and Rooney has been quoted in the media stating that he doesn't care about the performance, it's only about the result. Clearly, they need to win, as they can't keep counting on Rotherham slipping up.

Given their struggles, it's no surprise to see Prutton has gone for a Preston win, but most will agree that it will be a close, low-scoring encounter and it could be decided by a single goal.

So, it will be interesting to see what happens at Deepdale, and it's a game that Rotherham will be watching closely as well.

Thoughts? What will the score be? Let us know in the comments below.