Sky Sports EFL pundit David Prutton has issued his verdict on the clash between Derby County and Barnsley at Pride Park on Saturday, predicting that it will end as a 1-1 draw.

The Rams will be without manager Phillip Cocu, who is self-isolating, as they look for just their second Championship win of the season.

In his predictions on the Sky Sports website, Prutton has suggested that search will go on for the Rams and indicated that Saturday's game will end as a 1-1 draw.

Both clubs suffered defeat in midweek but it's the Tykes that arrive in the East Midlands in the better form.

Prior to the defeat to Cardiff City on Tuesday, Barnsley had won two games on the bounce and were unbeaten since the international break.

Derby, on the other hand, have claimed just three points in their last six matches and conceded a frustrating late winner against QPR on Wednesday night.

Tykes boss Ismael Valerien is yet to win on the road since taking over late last month but will feel the trip to Pride Park tomorrow represents a fantastic opportunity to claim his first.

Can you name the club’s top goalscorer from the last 13 seasons?

 

The Verdict

Tomorrow's game is going to be a very interesting one, particularly as Cocu will not be in the dugout.

Both sides will likely be looking at this as an opportunity to claim a well-needed win and it certainly looks as though it's going to be tight.

For me, Valerien's new manager bounce might just help his team edge this one and heap more gloom on Derby.