David Prutton predicts result of Leeds United’s clash against Derby County at Elland Road on Saturday

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Leeds United and Derby County do battle once again after a four-year wait for the two rivals to go head to head again, after promotion and relegation saw the two sides go up and down.

The rivalry is likely to remain between the two clubs, which was born out of the 2018-19 season. It started when Marcelo Bielsa sent a spy with wire cutters and binoculars to spy on Frank Lampard’s Derby training.

In what became known as Spygate, Leeds beat Derby after that debacle to win 2-0 in January 2019 having beaten Derby earlier in the season 4-1 away. Bielsa gave one of the best press conferences ever before.

It saw Bielsa share his extensive analysis, suggesting he didn’t even need the details acquired by the spy he had sent. Leeds were fined, and the Argentine legend paid the fine himself – instead of the club.

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David Prutton predicts clash as Leeds United host Derby County

Lampard has since said that Spygate didn’t bother him, but Patrick Bamford recalls different. This season, Bamford recalled a phone call between Lampard and Bielsa, and how Lampard was fuming on the phone.

The two sides then met in the play-offs. Kemar Roofe scored at Pride Park to win 1-0, but Derby won 4-2 at Elland Road – before losing to Villa in the final. Leeds were promoted as champions the next season.

Now, Leeds and Derby meet for the first time since the 2019-20 season. Former Leeds midfielder Prutton has told Sky Sports that he believes Leeds will secure a 2-1 home win over Derby on Saturday afternoon.

“A cracking game wasn’t it, the play-off semi-final (in 2019). It feels like an awfully long time ago. What happened to Frank Lampard? Oh yeah, Coventry manager. There’ll certainly be no love lost. 2-1 Leeds.”

Leeds United’s record against Derby in the past 10 matches

Over the last 10 games, Leed certainly have the better record. Five wins, two draws and three losses one of which though, came in the form of the 2019 play-off semi-final second leg that left fans distraught.

But in the last six meetings, Leeds have won four and drawn one. Of course, the two sides have not met in four years and there are major changes since the two met last time – including the men in the dugouts.

Leeds have been excellent at home this season while Derby are a newly-promoted side and the aim will simply be to remain in the Championship. LeedsUnited.News predicted a 3-0 win on Saturday afternoon.