![Prost International [PINT]](https://prostinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/PINTtFontLogoRoboto1536x78.jpg)
This weekend, Derby County host promotion play-off hopefuls Watford at Pride Park in a crucial Championship clash. Both teams will be eager to reverse their recent poor form as they aim to achieve their respective goals for the season.
DERBY, ENGLAND – AUGUST 31: A general view outside the ground prior to the Sky Bet Championship match between Derby County FC and Bristol City FC at Pride Park Stadium on August 31, 2024 in Derby, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
Currently sitting in 18th place, Derby County have endured a difficult campaign, amassing just 27 points from 26 matches and sitting a mere four points above the relegation zone. In contrast, Watford find themselves in 8th position with 38 points, just three points adrift of the play-off places.
DERBY, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 29: Paul Warne, Manager of Derby County during the Sky Bet Championship match between Derby County FC and Leeds United FC at Pride Park on December 29, 2024 in Derby, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Paul Warne’s Derby side have struggled for consistency, managing only four wins since September. Their most recent setback was a 1-1 draw followed by a penalty shootout defeat to League Two side Leyton Orient in the FA Cup. The Rams have lost four of their last five games and conceded 35 goals this season, underlining massive defensive vulnerabilities. With no clean sheets in their last six matches and no shutouts in their last ten encounters against Watford, Derby will hope the potential returns of defenders Eiran Cashin, Ryan Nyambe, and David Ozoh can bolster their backline.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 09: Tom Cleverley, Manager of Watford, reacts prior to to the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Fulham and Watford at Craven Cottage on January 09, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
Watford, despite being stronger defensively, have faltered away from home, recording only two wins in thirteen away fixtures. Tom Cleverley’s side are also winless in their last five matches. Injuries to key players, including goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann, have added to their challenges. Backup goalkeeper Jonathan Bond stepped in to make three saves during their recent 1-1 draw with Cardiff. While Watford have conceded first in their last seven matches, they have proven skilled at maintaining leads when ahead, dropping just two points from winning positions this season.
during the Sky Bet Championship match between Derby County and Watford at the Pride Park, Derby on Friday 16th October 2020. (Photo by Jon Hobley/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Previous Meetings
Since their first meeting on 11th October 1960, when Derby triumphed 5-2 in the League Cup, the teams have faced each other 45 times. Derby has seventeen wins, Watford fifteen, and thirteen matches have ended in draws. While Derby have historically enjoyed the upper hand at home, winning twelve of their last fifteen home league games against Watford, the Hornets have claimed victory in the last three meetings, including a 1-0 win at Pride Park in 2020 and a 2-1 victory earlier this campaign.
Key Players to Watch
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 14: Curtis Nelson of Derby County during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Leyton Orient and Derby County at Gaughan Group Stadium on January 14, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Curtis Nelson (Derby County)
The reliable centre-back has been a mainstay in Derby’s defence, starting every Championship game this season after his pivotal role in last year’s League One promotion campaign. Nelson has kept seven clean sheets and contributed two goals and an assist this season showing his role within the team.
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – JANUARY 01: Ebou Adams of Derby during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield Wednesday FC and Derby County FC at Hillsborough on January 01, 2025 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Ebou Adams (Derby County)
Operating in a defensive midfield role, Adams has been integral to Derby’s stability, scoring four goals and providing crucial cover for the backline. The experienced midfielder has been a key figure in Derby’s Championship survival bid this season.
Lars-Jørgen Salvesen: "I'm very happy and I can't wait to get started." 👊
— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) January 16, 2025
Lars-Jørgen Salvesen (Derby County)
The Norwegian striker, recently signed from Viking FK, brings European experience and a proven scoring record. Salvesen, who netted 12 goals in 27 appearances last season, could make his debut this weekend and add firepower to Derby’s attack.
CARDIFF, WALES – JANUARY 14: Giorgi Chakvetadze of Watford is put under pressure by cdf27 during the Sky Bet Championship match between Cardiff City FC and Watford FC at Cardiff City Stadium on January 14, 2025 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Giorgi Chakvetadze (Watford)
The Georgian international has excelled in Watford’s midfield this season, contributing two goals and five assists. A dynamic playmaker, Chakvetadze’s ability to drive forward and create opportunities has been central to Watford’s attacking play.
WATFORD, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 26: Max Bird of Bristol City is challenged by Francisco Sierralta of Watford during the Sky Bet Championship match between Watford FC and Bristol City FC at Vicarage Road on November 26, 2024 in Watford, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Francisco Sierralta (Watford)
The powerful, no nonsense, Chilean defender has re-established himself as a key figure in Watford’s back three this season, after seasons out of contention. Sierralta has helped his team secure four clean sheets and will be vital in their pursuit of defensive solidity.
CARDIFF, WALES – JANUARY 14: Cian Ashford of Cardiff City is challenged by Rocco Vata of Watford during the Sky Bet Championship match between Cardiff City FC and Watford FC at Cardiff City Stadium on January 14, 2025 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Rocco Vata (Watford)
The young talent has impressed as a substitute, showing fearlessness in attack by taking on any opposition. Vata’s goal in the FA Cup against Fulham highlights his potential, and his ability to contribute goal-creating actions makes him one to watch.
Rocco Vata and Kwadwo Baah have the most goal-creating actions per 90, of any player 23 or younger in the Championship this season… @kbaah22 #WatfordFC pic.twitter.com/kjeLkA2cwU
— WD18 (@WD18Fans) January 16, 2025
Injury Updates
Derby County
Derby faces a lengthy injury list but have received some encouraging news. Jerry Yates is set to return after being rested due to a groin issue, while Eiran Cashin, David Ozoh, and Ryan Nyambe have returned to training. However, Corey Blackett-Taylor, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, and Nat Phillips remain doubtful after picking up knocks in the FA Cup. Joe Ward is also a doubt, having been removed from the bench for the recent Bristol City match.
Cleverley has provided a squad update ahead of this weekend’s clash with Derby County 👇
— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) August 22, 2024
Watford
Watford are without first-choice goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann for 2-3 months due to an ankle ligament injury, with Jonathan Bond replacing him. Midfielder Tom Dele-Bashiru, out since October, could make his return after being named on the bench against Cardiff. Kevin Keben is also nearing a return and may feature this weekend.
Predicted Line-Ups
Derby County Predicted Line-up
Watford Predicted Line-up
Final Prediction
With both teams desperate to bounce back after their FA Cup exits and poor recent run of form, this match promises to be a closely contested affair. While Watford have the edge in recent head-to-heads, Derby’s home advantage and attacking reinforcements could see them secure a narrow 2-1 victory.
Follow us on X @ProstInt
