Our prediction: 12th
Likely finish: 8th–16th
Transfer window so far: 7/10
Biggest question
Have Derby lost too much experience?
Why we think Derby will take a step forward
Derby County look like a club aiming for more than simply surviving in the Championship this season. The headline signing is Bobby Clark from RB Salzburg, a player with considerable potential and the qualities to improve Derby going forward. Filip Bilbija has also arrived, while Ben Osborn, Danny Batth, Andreas Weimann, Callum Elder and Jake Rooney have left the club.
Clark brings energy, technical quality and the ability to drive attacks forward from central midfield. Derby have often been a hard-working and competitive side, but they have lacked a player capable of producing something different when matches become tight.
If Clark settles quickly, he could become one of the Championship’s most exciting young players this season. His arrival also suggests Derby are looking beyond short-term survival and trying to build a team capable of progressing up the table.
Strengths
Pride Park remains one of the Championship’s toughest away grounds when Derby get their supporters behind them. That home advantage could be worth several valuable points over the course of the season.
There is still plenty of Championship experience in the squad, while younger players are being given greater responsibility.
Bobby Clark can add a completely new dimension to the midfield, particularly with his ability to carry the ball and turn defence into attack. Bilbija, meanwhile, provides pace, movement and another attacking option. There should be enough quality in this Derby side to compete comfortably with the majority of teams in the division.
AdvertisementWeaknesses
The departures of Batth, Osborn and Weimann mean Derby have lost a considerable amount of experience and leadership.
Those are exactly the type of players who can become particularly important during the difficult periods of a 46-game Championship season, and replacing their influence will not necessarily be straightforward.
There will also be significant expectations surrounding Bobby Clark. His potential is enormous, but the Championship is an unforgiving division with a relentless schedule and very little time to adapt. Derby need to make sure they do not become overly dependent on Clark delivering immediately.
Key player
Bobby Clark
This could be the season in which Clark establishes himself as one of the Championship’s most exciting midfielders. If he adapts quickly and begins influencing games consistently, he could be the player who pushes Derby from the lower half towards the top ten.
One to watch
Filip Bilbija
An exciting signing who can give Derby more pace and directness in attack. If he settles quickly, Bilbija could provide another dimension to a side that needs more attacking variety.
What they still need
An experienced centre-back would help replace some of the leadership lost during the summer, while Derby could also use a striker capable of scoring 12–15 league goals.
Adding quality in those two positions before the transfer window closes would make the squad look considerably more complete.
Verdict
We like the direction Derby have taken. The club appear more ambitious than they were a year ago and seem determined to improve rather than simply secure another season in the Championship.
There will probably be plenty of ups and downs, particularly with some experienced players having departed, but we believe Derby have enough quality to establish themselves comfortably in mid-table.
If Bobby Clark has his breakthrough season and the club add a little more quality before the transfer window closes, a top-ten challenge is certainly possible.
Our prediction is 12th place.