Derby's good away start to the season will be tested at Vicarage Road. After a positive performance and first home win of the season against Leeds, Derby should travel with confidence and in high spirits.

After probably his best all round performance of the season, Jonny Russell was very unfortunate to suffer a broken leg. Serious injuries are now starting to mount up with Hendrick and Coutts out, not to mention Barker and O' Brien.

Derby seemed to have responded immediately with the loan signing of forward Dawkins from Spurs. Only McClaren will know if he is worthy of a debut. Personally, I would start with Mason Bennett. He is playing with confidence and has been scoring for the England U19’s. He has pace and power and I believe in playing young players when they are in form.

Eustace and the back four look set to continue after their reasonably good defensive play against Leeds. Eustace was fantastic against Leeds. breaking up play, keeping it simple and leading by example. I also see McClaren keeping with the 4-3-2-1 with Eustace holding the midfield, Bryson and Hughes pushing on, with Ward and Bennett out wide, and Martin (hopefully) holding the ball up in the centre forward position.

Troy Deeney is a doubt for Watford with a calf strain which is hopefully good news for the Rams. I always think we seem to struggle against strikers who possess trickery, pace and power. Almen Abdi (foot) and Davide Faraoni (one match suspension) definitely miss out.

Many fans and pundits point to Clough's away record at the start of the season, but I honestly think you have to look at the opposition to give a fair reflection. Yes, you can only beat who is from of you, but how well Derby do against top 6 teams at home AND away will give us more of an idea of how far this squad can go.

After at times looking over our shoulder every season under Clough especially during the nightmare, 'no win in 10' run, I personally still do not understand why people talk about the Rams and the top 6. I would just like us to be regularly in the top 10 and be 'knocking on the door' of the top 6.

Yes, we could make that jump, but anyone over 30 years of age will have witnessed a number of play-off semi finals, finals and promotions over the years. Compared to previous years is this squad good enough to realistically challenge in the top 6? I think, at the moment, we are still a little short.

Although I do think Watford are a good, passing side, I am going to remain positive and go for a good, solid score draw. As always, we will see........

Recent Form — Last 5 League Matches:

Watford (5th): W, W, W, L, W

Derby (10^th): D, L, L, D, W

Match Facts:

To continue their impressive away record this season, the Rams, who have only been beaten once on their travels, will need to break the Hornets unbeaten home record this season.

The Hornets have won four from their last five matches and are the League’s most prolific scorers with 22 goals from 11 games.

Steve McClaren will be looking for a pair of wins as he attempts his first away win after his first home win at Pride Park in his first game in charge at Derby.

If the Rams are defeated it will be the 700^th second tier loss for the club and if it happens, I doubt anyone at DCFC will be baking a cake to celebrate..

Craig Forsyth is set to make his 150th career start if he lines up for the Rams. Congrats Craig!

Classic Rams vs. Hornets Clash — Video Highlights:

Derby 2 vs. 1 Watford — 1999 / 2000

Super Strupar!!!!

Photo: Action Images

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