Derby County’s chances of placing in the top half of the Championship have been rated.
At the start of the season, many were wondering whether Derby County will be able to build on a brilliant 2023/24 League One season, where they were able to clinch promotion back to the Championship.
However, following a bright start to the campaign, which has seen Paul Warne’s side particularly impress at home, grabbing three wins in as many games at Pride Park, leaving the Rams in a solid 10th position in the Championship.
Derby County have had several players impress up until this point, with new signings Kenzo Goudmijn and David Ozoh particularly exceeding expectations.
Since the brilliant start to the season, Derby County fans will be wondering if their side can continue this fine run of form and where that will take them this season, with their final place in the league table being predicted.
Derby County predicted 14th place finish by Opta analyst
Warne will be hoping that his side can continue to exceed expectations this season, with the Derbyshire based outfit winning three games out of their first five.
However, their start to the season may be somewhat of a purple patch as, per Opta predictions, it looks as if they won’t quite keep up with their current points average of 1.5 per game.
Predictions have Derby County finishing 14th in the league table on an expected 60.77 points, which works out to an average of 1.3 points per game.
The prediction sees them finishing comfortably above the relegation zones, with fellow promoted side Portsmouth getting 50 points in 22nd, whilst also finishing nine points away from the play-offs.
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Would 14th place be considered a successful season for Derby County
Whilst it suggests that there may be somewhat of a drop off from the start of the 2024/25 Championship campaign, there are no doubts that Warne will be more than satisfied with a 14th place finish for his side.
The Derby County boss has been very adamant on following a two-year plan that sees the Rams steadily build back up to being a top Championship outfit, and a 14th place finish come the end of the season will certainly be more than enough to build on, especially considering it will be the first season back in the second flight since promotion from League One.
It is evident that on paper, Derby County haven’t quite got the firepower of the majority of sides in the division, nor do they have the excessive funds to fast track a climb to the top of the league, but with the resources they have been dealt, a mid-table finish would without a doubt be a positive step for Warne’s side.