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The Pride Park will host a crucial Championship clash as Derby County welcome Watford on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 3 PM UK time. This match sees two teams in need of a win, with Derby sitting 18th in the table and Watford 8th, just three points outside the playoff places. Derby come into this match on the back of a penalty shootout defeat to Leyton Orient in the FA Cup, while Watford secured a 1-1 draw with Cardiff City in their last outing.

Derby are winless in their last four matches, while Watford have gone five games without a win. Can Derby turn their form around, or will Watford reignite their playoff push?

Team Analysis:

Derby County:

Derby County have been in poor form this season, sitting 18th in the table with 27 points from 26 games. Under Paul Warne, they have struggled for consistency, winning just seven league games this season. Their recent penalty shootout defeat to Leyton Orient in the FA Cup extended their winless run to four matches, with their last league win coming on Boxing Day against West Brom.

Key players like Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, James Collins, and Eiran Cashin will need to step up if Derby are to secure a vital win. However, injuries to Nat Phillips, David Ozoh, and Ryan Nyambe could weaken their squad. Derby’s home form has been relatively strong, with six of their seven league wins coming at Pride Park.

Watford:

Watford have been inconsistent this season, sitting 8th in the table with 38 points from 26 games. Under Tom Cleverley, they are winless in their last five matches, including a 4-1 defeat to Fulham in the FA Cup. Their recent 1-1 draw with Cardiff City highlighted their defensive vulnerabilities, with Vakoun Bayo scoring a late equaliser.

Key players like Vakoun Bayo, Ismaila Sarr, and Imran Louza will need to deliver if Watford are to secure a positive result. However, injuries to Daniel Bachmann and Pierre Dwomoh could complicate matters. Watford’s away form has been poor, with just two wins in 13 away league games this season.

Head-to-Head and Past Encounters:

The rivalry between Derby and Watford has been competitive, with Watford winning three of the last five meetings. Derby’s last victory over Watford came in 2022, with a 2-1 win at Pride Park. Watford’s last victory at this venue was a 3-2 win in 2023.

Prediction:

This match is finely balanced, with Derby’s home advantage and Watford’s attacking quality making it a close contest. However, Watford’s recent form and experience in high-stakes matches make them slight favourites. Expect a closely contested game, with Watford likely to edge it.

Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Derby County 1-2 Watford

Betting Tips:

• Both Teams to Score: Yes
• Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over
• Anytime Goalscorer: Vakoun Bayo (Watford)
• Hot Stat: Watford have won their last three meetings with Derby.

Possible Lineups:

Derby County: Widell Zetterstrom; Wilson, Nelson, Cashin, Forsyth; Goudmijn, Adams; Brown, Harness, Mendez-Laing; Yates
Watford: Bond; Ngakia, Porteous, Sierralta, Pollock, Larouci; Kayembe, Louza, Chakvetadze; Baah, Bayo

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