Lampard's Derby should have no fear at Sheffield United

Sky Bet Championship
Sky Sports Football & Main Event, 3pm Wednesday

Sheffield United have struggled against Sky Bet Championship promotion rivals – losing four of five games against the top six sides – and that trend may continue against Derby at Bramall Lane.

Rams boss Frank Lampard has always relished a challenge and his fearless attitude seems to have been taken on board by the Derby players.

Derby put in some magnificent away performances in the League Cup, knocking Manchester United out on penalties and giving Chelsea a few scares in a 3-2 loss at Stamford Bridge.

• Sky Bet Championship standings

They have also flourished on tough Championship road trips, winning 4-1 at West Brom and drawing 1-1 at Middlesbrough.

The point at Boro was the minimum Derby deserved after dominating large parts of the game and Lampard's charges will prepare to play positively in Yorkshire.

It should be an entertaining spectacle because Sheffield United are another team who rarely take a backward step.

The Blades' style of play is high-energy and high-risk with centre-backs Chris Basham and Jack O'Connell among the players routinely expected to get forward from open play but it doesn't seem to be working in the biggest games.

United have not kept a clean sheet against a top-six side this season and, by playing on the front foot against Derby, they may expose themselves against opponents with some high-quality attacking players.

Liverpool loanee Harry Wilson has top-scored for the Rams with seven league goals and six-goal centre-forward Jack Marriott is a clinical finisher when given the chance.

Derby go into the game seeking to atone for disappointing draws at home to Nottingham Forest (0-0) and Bristol City (1-1) but are unbeaten in four and are worth backing in the Steel City.

Recommendation
Derby draw no bet
1pt 13-8 Hills

Bet on this game at Soccerbase.com

Team news
Sheffield United
No fresh injuries are reported but Chris Wilder may consider freshening up the team after Saturday's 1-1 draw at Ipswich.

Derby
Joe Ledley (hip) is a doubt, Tom Lawrence (ankle) is out while Bradley Johnson completes a five-game ban.

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Key stat
Sheffield United have lost four of their five games against the top six.

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