Derbyvs.Watford

The Rams have failed to win any of their last four games in all competitions, while the visitors have gone five competitive matches without a win.

Match preview

After winning seven, drawing six and losing 13 of their 26 league matches, Derby are sitting in 18th place in the Championship table, with four points separating them from the bottom three.

Derby's most recent league victory took place on Boxing Day when they edged out West Bromwich Albion via a 2-1 scoreline.

Since that result, the Rams have gone on to lose three consecutive league matches against Leeds United, Sheffield Wednesday and Bristol City.

Paul Warne's side experienced more disappointment in midweek, losing on penalties to Leyton Orient after playing out a 1-1 draw in the FA Cup third-round tie.

Not only did they miss out on a fourth-round clash with Manchester City, but the result also extended Derby's winless away run to seven competitive matches.

With that in mind, they will be looking forward to returning to Pride Park, where they have recorded six of their seven league victories this season, including two wins in their previous three home outings.

Like their hosts, Watford are still searching for their first win since claiming a 2-1 home victory over Portsmouth on Boxing Day.

The Hornets followed that result with three consecutive league defeats against Cardiff City, Queens Park Rangers and Sheffield United, before they slumped to a 4-1 loss in last Saturday's FA Cup away clash against Premier League Fulham.

Watford at least managed to halt their losing run in Tuesday's Championship clash against Cardiff City, with Vakoun Bayo netting an 87th-minute equaliser to salvage a 1-1 draw in the Welsh capital, moving them up one spot to eighth position in the league table.

However, Tom Cleverley will know his side need to start picking up wins sooner rather than later if they are to get their playoff bid back on track, with the Hornets currently sitting three points adrift of sixth-placed Middlesbrough.

The Watford boss will also be fully aware that his team need to improve on the road, having seen his side win just two of their 13 away league games this season (D3, L8).

The Hornets will take confidence from the fact they have won their last three meetings with Derby, including a narrow 2-1 win when the two clubs faced off at Vicarage Road in August.

Derby County Championship form:

W

L

W

L

L

L

Derby County form (all competitions):

L

W

L

L

L

L

Watford Championship form:

L

W

L

L

L

D

Watford form (all competitions):

W

L

L

L

L

D

Team News

Warne has confirmed that Liverpool loanee Nat Phillips will struggle to be ready after picking up a groin problem in Tuesday's FA Cup clash with Leyton Orient.

David Ozoh and Ryan Nyambe are expected to miss out, while Joe Ward is facing a race against time to prove his fitness for the home fixture.

In positive news, Eiran Cashin is likely to be available for selection, having recovered from a hamstring injury which has kept him out of the last six matches.

January addition Lars-Jorgen Salvesen could feature in the squad as long as he receives international clearance and his visa in time for the weekend.

As for the visitors, they are unable to call upon goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann and midfielder Pierre Dwomoh due to injury.

Kevin Keben is making progress on his injury recovery, but the centre-back will not be ready to play a role against the Rams.

Defender James Abankwah will be available for selection after arriving on loan from Watford's sister club, Udinese, until the end of the season.

Bayo will continue to offer one of Watford's main attacking threats, with the striker looking to add to his 10-goal league tally for the season.

Derby County possible starting lineup:

Widell Zetterstrom; Wilson, Nelson, Cashin, Forsyth; Goudmijn, Adams; Brown, Harness, Mendez-Laing; Yates

Watford possible starting lineup:

Bond; Ngakia, Porteous, Sierralta, Pollock, Larouci; Kayembe, Louza, Chakvetadze; Baah, Bayo

We say: Derby County 2-2 Watford

Written by

Ben Sully

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