If there was some time machine around to pop in for the minute or two in the late ’60s or early ’70s, the mention of the Derby County vs WBA tie would cause a serious excitement. Back in the days, those two, along with QPR, were immaculate sides fighting for nothing less than the top division title in England.Moreover, they were big even in terms of European football, but fast forward to 2021, and we see this trio struggling even in the second tier. Younger fans can’t even imagine how important were those slots a half a century ago. Instead, they have to settle with a mist of the contemporary EFL Championship surroundings. Like this Monday, when the above-mentioned teams clash in the only two games of the second-best level of the English football pyramid.After 17 Championship matches played, Derby County have amassed a grand total of -3 pointsWayne Rooney-led Derby are with their backs to the wall, as the Rams suffer 12 points deduction by Football Association. With a miserable 4 points on their account, they are on the foot of the Championship, and the relegation seems inevitable. However, Rooney’s desire to win and their honourable history and importance in England don’t allow them to sink that easy. That’s what WBA should be aware of, regardless of the fact they are 37 points aloft at the moment.England legend willing to stay in charge of the financially ruined club and lead them to safetyWest Brom are sitting in 4th place, with lots of chances to return to the top flight at the end of the season. The last time they met, in mid-September, it ended in a goalless stalemate, so for WBA, today’s away game at Pride Park will be anything but a relaxing city break.QPR – Fulham, Parc des Princes 1912Foto by: https://t.co/uvVv6qXLW4 pic.twitter.com/vlicsGwzD9— FootballTime&Nations (@FCTimeNations) December 27, 2021 A few hours later, another once-giants QPR will try to punch above their weight against the current runners-up, Bournemouth. For the seventh-placed QPR, this is one of those vital ties that will decide the trajectory of the entire season – shall they engage in the promotion battle or settle with a dull mid-table life. Four months ago, Bournemouth deservedly celebrated a 2-1 win after killing the game early in the first half.EFL CHAMPIONSHIP – ROUND 24Monday18.00: (4.60) DERBY COUNTY (3.40) WBA (1.85)20.30: (2.75) QPR (3.30) BOURNEMOUTH (2.55)
