Derby vs Blackburn Prediction & Betting Tips (28 February)

Derby’s meeting with Blackburn in the Championship at Pride Park on 28 February 2026 arrives at an intriguing moment in the season, with the hosts sitting in mid‑table on 45 points and still flirting with an outside push toward the playoff conversation. Their recent league run has been mixed, but competitive, including a hard‑fought defeat away to Watford on 21 February where they lost 2‑0 despite spells of promising possession and chances created. That result followed a sequence of alternating wins and losses which underlines how Paul Warne’s side can look vibrant one week and vulnerable the next, yet they generally perform with greater control and intensity in front of their own supporters.

Blackburn travel to Derby knowing that their own situation is more precarious, with 32 points leaving them closer to the relegation battle than they would like, even after a morale‑boosting 1‑0 home victory over Preston on 20 February. That narrow win showcased their ability to grind out results when needed, but it also highlighted ongoing issues in attack, as they continue to rely heavily on the likes of Andri Guðjohnsen and Yuki Ohashi for goals. Recent away outings, including tough trips such as Norwich and other promotion‑chasing sides, have exposed defensive frailties and a tendency to concede in key moments, something that will concern the coaching staff ahead of another demanding visit to Pride Park.

Team news over the past couple of months adds another layer to this clash. Derby have had to juggle their squad due to knocks and muscle problems, yet their attacking unit, featuring players like Conor Washington and Patrick Agyemang, has still managed to keep the goals flowing often enough to stay competitive in most fixtures. Blackburn, meanwhile, have been dealing with a notable injury list, with several defenders and creative players spending time on the sidelines, which partly explains their inconsistent form and occasional reshuffles in formation. Both clubs have also been the subject of transfer speculation and tactical tweaks since the turn of the year, as managers search for the right balance between solidity and ambition in a tightly packed Championship table.

When you look at the recent head‑to‑head record, Derby appear to hold a slight psychological edge, having beaten Blackburn both home and away in the 2024‑25 campaign, including a 2‑1 success at Pride Park and a 2‑1 victory on the road. Combined with Derby’s generally stronger home performances this season and Blackburn’s patchy away form, the signs point toward the hosts being better placed to control territory and tempo on the day. Factoring in Blackburn’s occasional struggles to create clear‑cut chances on their travels, a disciplined and energetic display from Derby could well tilt the balance their way, which is why a correct‑score prediction of 2 : 0 in favour of Derby feels like a realistic and well‑grounded call for this encoun