Leicester vs Derby Prediction & Betting Tips (29 December)

Leicester enter this fixture in a period of mixed form, marked by both resilience and frustration as they try to stabilise their Championship campaign. In the past two months, the club has dealt with injury concerns involving players such as Soumaré, Okoli and Kristiansen, all listed with return dates stretching into late December and JanuaryFotMob. Their recent matches reflect inconsistency: a 3‑1 win over Ipswich, a 2‑2 draw with Bristol City, and a disappointing 1‑2 home defeat to Watford that drew criticism from supporters and prompted Marti Cifuentes to speak about emotional strain within the squadNewsNow+1. Despite these setbacks, Leicester’s attacking structure remains capable of controlling long stretches of matches, though defensive lapses have repeatedly undermined their momentum.

Derby approach this clash with a sense of cautious optimism, having shown flashes of improvement despite their own uneven run of results. Their last two months included a strong 3‑0 away win at Sheffield Wednesday and a competitive 1‑1 draw with Millwall, but also a tough 1‑3 home defeat to Leicester in early December where Sondre Langås scored their only goalForza Football+2. Injuries have also shaped their squad selection, with players like Monga, Johnston and Beck listed with muscle or hamstring issues and expected back between late December and mid‑JanuaryFotMob. Even so, Derby’s work rate and tactical discipline under John Eustace have kept them competitive in most matches, especially against sides that allow them space to counter.

The tactical contrast between these teams adds intrigue to the encounter. Leicester typically dominate possession and build through Skipp, James and the wide creativity of Fatawu and Mavididi, while Derby rely more on compact defensive organisation and quick transitions through Brereton Díaz, Brewster and Agyemang. Their recent head‑to‑head meeting, which Leicester won 3‑1 at Pride Park, highlighted the Foxes’ ability to strike early and control tempo, but Derby’s second‑half response showed they can grow into matches when given time and territoryForza Football+1. Both sides have reasons to feel they can influence the rhythm of this upcoming fixture, though Leicester’s home advantage at the King Power Stadium remains a significant factor.

Considering the form lines, injury lists and the psychological weight of recent results, this match sets up as a tighter contest than their December meeting suggested. Leicester’s need to respond after the Watford loss, combined with Derby’s gradual improvement, points toward a more cautious approach from both managers. With Leicester still possessing slightly more individual quality in decisive areas and Derby likely to prioritise defensive structure, the most reasonable expectation is a narrow home win. Our prediction is a 1:0 correct score.