Derby - Bolton

Can Derby County arrest their alarming slide as they host Bolton Wanderers at Pride Park on 6 November 2026 for this Championship matchday 15 clash? The hosts face significant personnel challenges, with Sammie Szmodics, David Ozoh, Sondre Klingen Langaas, and Charlie Taylor all sidelined. The expected XI, featuring Carlton Morris and Henrik Meister in attack, must find a way to tighten a defensive unit that has struggled recently, including a heavy 4-0 defeat to Norwich City. Managing the midfield battle will be crucial for Alex Mowatt and Oscar Fraulo against a visiting side that relies on the energy of Samuel Iling-Junior and Ruben Rodrigues.

Bolton Wanderers arrive looking to build on a narrow 1-0 victory over Charlton Athletic, though they remain without the injured Josh Sheehan and Ethan Erhahon. Their recent form has been erratic, swinging from a 5-1 loss against Middlesbrough to impressive wins on the road. Jack Bonham is expected to start in goal, tasked with organizing a defense that has shown vulnerability throughout the campaign. With both sides aiming to establish a rhythm, the tactical discipline of the respective midfields will likely dictate the outcome of this encounter.