Derby County host Birmingham City at Pride Park on Saturday afternoon, in a game that marks the Blues first return to action since the shock sacking of Harry Redknapp last week.

The former Tottenham boss was removed from his position following a 3-1 home defeat to Preston North End, and Lee Carsley will take temporary control for the game in the East Midlands.

Sky Sports pundit David Prutton has had his say on the fixture, and predicted the outcome of the huge match-up between the clubs from either side of the Midlands.

Derby are the clear favourites for the tie, but Prutton goes the other way, and expects a shock away victory for the team in turmoil.

Prutton explains the unpredictability of the second tier could lead to the result - with Derby the prime example - having thrashed Hull one week, but been on the receiving end of a beating at Bristol City the following.

The Verdict

Carsley will install a fresh approach this weekend as he takes control of his first game in charge of the Blues, and the former Everton midfielder certainly has a talented crop of players at his disposal.

However the St Andrews side will be without record-signing Jota as well as the influential Che Adams, who are both out with hamstring injuries.

Derby have a strong squad, and with Birmingham still gelling as a team and missing key personnel, I just can’t see them pulling off an upset.

Saying that, managerial changes do sometimes prompt a complete turnaround in form, and Birmingham could equally be as likely to smash Derby to pieces at Pride Park.

I’m sticking with the latter however, and expect Derby to take the points.

Derby County 2-0 Birmingham

Can Birmingham really upset Derby on Saturday