Derby entertains an in form Watford team knowing a victory in their final home fixture of the season will guarantee third place.
Ex Ram Seth Johnson will be on hand to cheer on The Rams as they meet an in form Watford team who will provide be a stern test. They are playing good football and in Troy Deeney they have an instinctive goalscorer. The Hornets also have some classy foreign players and a midfield threat in McGugan.
Watford have no real injury concerns or suspensions. Derby are in a similar position and with Ward, Dawkins and Hendrick returning from injury in recent weeks, there is good competition for places as all will want to be involved in the play offs.
The coaching team have openly talked about finishing third and I genuinely feel the team do not have it in them to take their foot off the gas. They always want to play, good attacking football.
After playing well against Barnsley and creating numerous chances, I feel Derby will be unchanged with Hendrick in the middle and Ward and Russell occupying the wings. The ever impressive Thorne with occupy the holding role in midfield as Derby look to Martin to again link up play and hold the ball up.
Watford have only lost one of their last seven games, losing late on to QPR last week. However, the have only won one of their last seventeen away games in all competitions, having drawn ten and losing six.
Both teams have nothing to lose so it could be a high scoring game. Derby will look to continue their good form going into the play offs and give the fans something to cheer in the final home game of the season.
Before the game, the player of the season will be announced.
After such a good season it was a very difficult decision for met to cast my vote but in the end I went for Chris Martin, but I could have easily chosen Bryson, Buxton or Wisdom.
A good problem for a fan to have. It shows a number of players have played consistently well in many games.
Enjoy the game and I hope we can cement third spot, but Watford will be tough opposition. COYR!!
Derby (3rd): L, W, W, W, W
Watford (12th): D, W, D, W, L
Steve McClaren has collected just over 66% of the points on offer since taking over as Rams Head coach taking 68 of a possible 96 points.
Derby has won 6 and lost 2 of their last 8
The Rams have been victorious in their last 4 home matches scoring 13 goals and only conceding 2.
Derby have defeated Watford in 4 of the last 5 meetings between the teams played at Pride Park. Derby have won six of their last eight games, including their last four.
Derby have won their last four home games, scoring 13 goals and conceding just two.
Watford have won only one of their last 17 away games, drawing 10 and losing six.
Premier League - 3rd of January 2000
COYR!!