Derby County vs West Bromwich Albion: Sky Sports and talkSPORT Coverage Guide with Expert Pundits Tommy Smith and Curtis Davies

Match date: 23 January 2026

Derby County vs West Bromwich Albion: Sky Sports and talkSPORT Coverage Guide with Expert Pundits Tommy Smith and Curtis Davies

Sky Sports will provide comprehensive coverage of the Championship clash between Derby County and West Bromwich Albion at Pride Park Stadium, with the match kicking off at 20:00 UTC on Friday, January 23, 2026. The fixture will be broadcast across Sky Sports Football HD, Sky Sports Main Event HD, and Sky Sports Main Event UHD, ensuring viewers across the UK can access this pivotal Round 29 encounter in stunning quality. For those preferring radio commentary, talkSPORT 2 will offer live coverage alongside the official talkSPORT App, bringing the action directly to listeners nationwide. Additionally, WBA Radio and WBA TV will serve West Bromwich Albion supporters with dedicated commentary from the visitors' perspective.

The Sky Sports coverage will be fronted by presenter Julian Warren, who will guide viewers through the pre-match build-up and post-match analysis. Two exceptional pundits will provide expert insight: Tommy Smith, the former Liverpool and Tottenham defender whose distinguished playing career saw him compete at the highest levels of English football, and Curtis Davies, the experienced defender who has earned respect throughout his career at clubs including Derby County, Aston Villa, and Leicester City. Jonathan Oakes will report from Pride Park Stadium, capturing all the key moments and post-match reactions.

For talkSPORT 2 listeners, Hugh Woozencroft will present the broadcast, with Joe Shennan delivering main commentary and Courtney Sweetman-Kirk providing co-commentary expertise. West Bromwich Albion supporters tuning into WBA Radio and WBA TV will hear Gez Mulholland as main commentator alongside co-commentator Andy Johnson, offering a dedicated perspective on the Baggies' away fixture.

This Championship encounter promises to be a tightly contested affair, with Derby County currently sitting in 10th position with 41 points from 28 matches, whilst West Bromwich Albion occupy 19th place with 31 points from the same number of games. The Rams have demonstrated strong recent form with consecutive away victories and maintain an impressive unbeaten record at home against West Brom in recent years, having won their last seven meetings (six victories and one draw). However, Derby's home form has been inconsistent lately, with defensive lapses providing concerns ahead of this fixture.

West Bromwich Albion arrive at Pride Park in troubled circumstances, having won only nine matches all season and suffering particularly poor results on the road. The Baggies lost 5-0 to Norwich on January 20, 2026, and fell 3-2 to Middlesbrough on January 16, 2026, leaving confidence fragile as they seek to climb away from the lower reaches of the table. With a goal difference of minus 12 and having conceded the most penalties in the Championship this season (4), the visitors face an uphill battle against a Derby side brimming with home advantage and historical dominance in this fixture.

Tommy Smith, the renowned pundit providing analysis on Sky Sports, brings a wealth of knowledge from his illustrious playing career. The former Liverpool defender won 50 England caps and achieved legendary status at Anfield during the club's most successful era under Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley. Smith's no-nonsense approach and tactical acumen have made him one of the most respected voices in football commentary, offering viewers genuine insight into defensive organisation and the physical demands of top-level Championship football. His observations on how Derby's defence can weather West Brom's creative threat—particularly through the playmaking of Michael Johnston, who has created 10 big chances for the Baggies this season—will prove invaluable for viewers seeking to understand the tactical battle unfolding at Pride Park.

Curtis Davies, the second pundit on Sky Sports duty, brings contemporary experience of the Championship having spent recent seasons competing in England's second tier. The central defender's career has encompassed stints at some of the country's most prestigious institutions, including his time at Derby County itself, where he established himself as a commanding and dependable presence. Davies' understanding of the modern Championship game, combined with his specific knowledge of both clubs involved in this fixture, positions him perfectly to provide nuanced analysis of how Derby's wing play and set-piece strength—areas identified as particular strengths—might penetrate West Brom's fragile back line. His insights into the psychological battle between two sides heading in opposite directions will resonate particularly with supporters seeking expert perspective.

The coverage on Sky Sports will benefit from high-definition and ultra-high-definition broadcasting, allowing viewers to appreciate the technical execution that will be crucial in determining the outcome. Jonathan Oakes' reporting from pitch-side will capture the intensity of the atmosphere at Pride Park, where Derby fans will be eager to see their side capitalise on home advantage and historical superiority over their visitors. The reporter's access to both coaching staff and players will provide behind-the-scenes context that enriches the viewing experience beyond the ninety minutes of play.

For supporters unable to access Sky Sports coverage, talkSPORT 2's radio broadcast presents an excellent alternative, with Joe Shennan's experienced commentary paired with Courtney Sweetman-Kirk's insightful co-commentary ensuring listeners receive comprehensive coverage of every significant moment. Hugh Woozencroft's presentation skills will frame the context of this fixture within the broader Championship narrative, helping listeners understand the promotion, play-off, and relegation implications at stake.

Derby County's aspiration to push towards the play-off places represents the primary motivation for the home side, with their current mid-table position offering genuine opportunity if they can string together consistent results. The Rams' recent back-to-back road victories demonstrate their ability to perform under pressure, whilst their strong home record—particularly against West Brom—suggests they possess the quality to emerge victorious. Morris Heggebø has proven a prolific presence with 6 goals across his last 5 Championship appearances, offering the attacking threat upon which Derby's hopes will substantially rest.

West Bromwich Albion, conversely, must prioritise survival and climbing away from the relegation zone. The Baggies' inability to secure clean sheets—they haven't recorded one in eight matches—represents a critical vulnerability that Derby will seek to exploit through their established wing play and set-piece approach. The visitors' away record has been particularly dreadful, and Pride Park's intimidating atmosphere presents another obstacle for a side struggling for confidence and consistency.

The tactical narrative will likely revolve around Derby's ability to capitalise on their established dominance whilst West Brom attempts to frustrate their hosts and snatch a precious away victory. Both Tommy Smith and Curtis Davies will undoubtedly analyse how Derby's defensive solidity—they've conceded 36 goals in 28 matches—stacks up against West Brom's attacking intent, despite the Baggies' relatively modest goal tally of 31 from the same period.

With multiple broadcasting options available across Sky Sports, talkSPORT 2, and dedicated club radio stations, British supporters and international viewers will enjoy comprehensive coverage of this Championship fixture featuring some of the most respected voices in football analysis. Whether viewing on Sky Sports Football HD, Sky Sports Main Event HD, or listening via talkSPORT 2, audiences can expect professional, insightful commentary that captures the drama, intensity, and technical excellence that defines modern Championship football.