After a two week hiatus, the Championship is back in action this week. Derby County welcome Watford to Pride Park this Friday evening. The match kickoffs at 9:45 pm.
The Rams received their first points of the season before the international break. But they are currently 20th on the table and four points behind their Friday opponents Watford.
Philip Cocu was on the edge of a possible sacking. The Rams rolled without a win since the start of the season. However, a late free-kick by Wayne Rooney ending the game in a 1-0 win over Norwich City might have sparked his career again.
The Dutchman witnessed his side lose the first three matches of the league. The most burning home loss was 4-0 to Blackburn followed with a win against the East Anglia. Another insult to the injury was their EFL Cup exit by Preston North End. The losses put Philip Cocu under immense pressure to show a good performance.
One thing the championship has shown over the years is that one victory can change the entire league. It is a reflection of their Friday opponents who enjoyed a successful two years in the Premier League before their sudden relegation.
The Hornets entered the international break with a disappointing 1-0 loss to Reading. It follows an impressive three-match winning streak for the away side.
Derby County vs Watford Head to Head
Both sides have 16 games against each other with Derby County taking home nine wins while Watford with five wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
Norwich City 0-1 Derby County
Derby County 0-4 Blackburn Rovers
Luton Town 2-1 Derby County
Derby County 1-2 Preston North End
Away
Reading 1-0 Watford
Watford 1-0 Luton Town
Newport County 3-1 Watford
Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Watford
Oxford United 1-1 Watford
Derby County Team News
After sticking with a back five granted Cocu a win in their last outing, he will remain tempted to try the same this Friday. A change of personnel will be evident with Kamil Jozwiak, David Marshall and Jason Knight out on international duty.
Watford Team News
Daryl Danmaat recently left the club after their recent outing. However, Troy Deeney and Ismail Sarr remain and look for a starting XI. Vladimir Ivic will be all worries, especially with the transfer window edging closer.
Prediction and Odds
Derby County has a poor record this season on home soil, and we expect the Hornets to take advantage of this.
Watford Win
Goals Under 3.5
Both Teams to Score
