G.M's Match Preview: Rams Must Resume From Where They Left Off At Watford
Saturday, 22nd Nov 2014 08:04 by George Martin

Championship leaders Derby face a tough fixture away to Watford now the international break has come to an end.

The magnificent display of football in their last outing against Wolves - does seem a long time ago now - but hopefully Derby will be able to find their free flowing football again, against a team who seem also seem to produce quality going forward with Derby having scored 33 goals this season, Watford 30.

Two thousand away tickets were snapped up instantly and this game was sold out for Derby fans weeks ago for this eagerly anticipated top 6 clash. This should ensure a good atmosphere and great inspiration and motivation for the players.

McClaren was right with his comments after the Wolves game as all fans were able to sit back, enjoy and admire some of the football played. I could not have got my prediction of a score draw more wrong, but I am glad I did!

Derby will welcome back around 14 'internationals' who had mixed fortunes whilst representing their respective countries at various age groups and levels.

Martin was disappointed with himself when starting for Scotland, but Russell got some good recognition for his lively contribution and assist after coming on as substitute. Hendrick and Keogh were on the losing side for Ireland against Scotland, but Christie made a good debut at right back against the USA for the same nation.

Derby will keep Butland in goal, as Grant is still not quite fit from a high ankle sprain. Christie and Forsyth will fill the full back roles and Shotton should keep his place at centre back alongside captain Keogh.

Craig Bryson should return to the bench as he was training with Scotland, but it will be difficult to dismantle the trio of Mascarell, Hughes and Hendrick in the starting eleven after their thrilling display in the last league game.

Russell and Ibe should fill the wide right and left wide areas respectively, as Dawkins has played a number of minutes for his nation in the past 2 weeks. This will hopefully not have done him any harm as he has been returning from injury, so time on the pitch will give him match fitness and match sharpness.

Martin will continue with the lone striker role in the hope that Russell, Ibe, Hendrick and Hughes can get close enough to him in Watford's final third to create chances.

This will mean the bench will again be strong with Buxton, Eustace, Bryson, Dawkins, Coutts, Best and Calero all vying for positions. The game seems to have come a week or two too soon for Ward and Whitbread. Ward could be involved next Saturday as he will be nursed back into full training this week.

Despite several managerial changes since the start of the season Watford have not lost at home in the league but have only won 3 out of their last 10 league games, including 2 away defeats on the bounce in their last two outings. They will look to avenge this against Derby and go level on points with them.

In Vydra and Deeney they possess intelligence, speed and goals. Forestieri, Anya, Dyer and Andrews provide quality, pace and experience in midfield.

Although the back four seems secure, manager Jokanovic has swapped and changed his midfield a little in recent weeks and this week let McGugan go on loan to Sheffield Wednesday, even though he started against Birmingham City at the start of the month.

A big miss for Watford will be Gabriel Tamas who has a knee ligament injury, but he is now the Hornets' sole injury absentee. Almen Abdi is back from a shoulder injury and defender Gabriele Angella could also return after two months out with an ankle injury. It may be too early for them to start, but midfielder Abdi is the most likely according to reports, as he likes to keep things simple and helps Watford retain possession in midfield.

Watford likes to play attacking football and have done well to stay in the top six, despite the managerial upheaval during the season. Whether their recent dip in form is the start of a downward spiral or just a blip could be revealed tomorrow as they will be coming up against an almost full strength, in form Derby team, which also has a strong bench.

McClaren and the coaching staff have asked if the players can continue this form and stay in and around the top 2 until Christmas. All Derby fans will be hoping The Rams will embrace this challenge.

I believe it will be a tough game as Vydra and Deeney can score all types of goals. They can finish moves off while they can also create and score goals individually for themselves. Forestieri provides quality and foreign flair in midfield and Anya has pace and trickery on the wing. Not to mention Lloyd Dyer, who seems to rip Derby apart every time he played for Leicester against Derby in the past.

There could be goals in this game. One piece of brilliance or one mistake could win it or lose it for either side.

Therefore I am going for a score draw.

A bit like the Wolves game, I hope I am proved very wrong!

Enjoy the game.