Punters are backing spectacular Derby County collapse in incredible playoff betting twist

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Either Preston North End, Derby County, Cardiff City or Fulham will complete the final two playoff spots.

According to a report by Oddschecker, 55% of all bets on the ‘to make the playoffs’ market since 5pm on Saturday have gone on Preston North End at 6/1 to make it ahead of Derby County.

Middlesbrough and Aston Villa’s spot in the playoffs was confirmed on Saturday, meaning the final day of the season sees four teams yet to decide the final two spots.

Cardiff City and Fulham are second and third respectively, therefore next weekend will see either one finish in the automatic promotion spot and the other to contest for a place in the Premier League via the playoffs.

Derby (72 points) and Preston (70 points), however, are both fighting for sixth spot and the Rams only need a point at home to Barnsley to pip the Lilywhites due to having a much superior goal difference.

Only a victory for Preston at home to relegation-threatened Burton Albion and a Derby defeat will see Alex Neil’s side make it, but amazingly it’s an offer which many betting pundits are taking up.

The Rams have a recent history of falling at the final hurdle, losing the 2013/14 playoff final before missing out on the playoffs altogether a season later with only a point needed on the final day – losing 3-0 at home to Reading.

The 2015/16 campaign again saw Derby reach the playoffs, but they lost out to Hull City 3-2 over the two-legged semi-final, while this season they were second in the table in February yet just four wins in their last 17 league games has seen them stumble towards the finishing line.

It’s immensely frustrating for supporters, and it’s not like there is some sort of failure culture among the playing staff as only three players – Richard Keogh, Craig Forsyth and Andre Wisdom – remain of the 2013/14 Wembley defeat.

But general observers aren’t confident in Derby’s ability to get the job done, with a majority 55% feeling that Preston’s 6/1 odds represent excellent value considering the east Midland club’s recent disappointment.

It would be typical of the Rams to drop the ball, and it would be even more shocking if they slipped up against a Barnsley side who have just four away wins all season while losing their last five away games in succession.