Derby County just might find themselves playing in the Premier League next season. With Sunday’s 4-1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, the Rams have booked themselves a place in the Championship playoffs.
After beating Brighton 2-1 last Thursday, Derby made an even more emphatic statement in the second leg. The Rams, who’d finished third in the Championship, thrashed the Albion 4-1 this time around. Brighton, who’d barely managed to wiggle their way into sixth, were only allowed a consolation goal in the 89th minute.
With their 6-2 aggregate win, the Rams will be celebrating tonight. They’ve got plenty of time to rest up before the big day, as the final isn’t for two more weeks. Derby will travel to Wembley on May 24, hoping to finish the day with a march to the winners’ podium.
It’s uncertain who they will be facing, however. Wigan and Queens Park Rangers played out a rather dismal draw last week, and are scheduled to meet again on Monday. Both sides were relegated from the top flight last season, and are looking to bounce right back.
Should Derby emerge triumphant at the end of the playoffs, their supporters will doubtless be hoping for a better showing than their last in the Premier League. In 2007-2008, the Rams made history when they suffered relegation as early as March, and ended the season with the lowest points total ever, notching just eleven points in the 38 matches played.