Derby will hope to put a recent poor set of results behind them when they entertain an inform Watford side in front of the Sky Sports cameras.

When Derby went into the game at Fulham away a few weeks ago, they were five points clear of third spot. After a horror run - Derby now find themselves five points behind the automatic promotion spots.

The fans, players and club will be hoping a change in fortune will bring a similar swing, but this time in their favour, in the final seven games of the season.

Derby fans will have breathed a huge sigh of relief with the news that Martin, Thorne and Hendrick are all available for selection for this crunch match. Unfortunately Eustace will be out for even longer after needing a second 'small' operation on his troublesome knee with no timeframe being given on a possible return.

Despite individual errors against Wolves, the formation worked and the performance was generally good, so Derby could choose to stick to the same starting line up. However, this is very unlikely as winning this game is vital to any hopes of automatic promotion and the boost Martin and Thorne will give means they must start. Let's just hope they are fully fit and have not been rushed back.

It was strange on Thorne's original return that he played two games in three days having been out injured for more or less seven months. If he starts against Watford, I do not think he should start against Wigan; otherwise a similar situation could occur.

Changing the team and formation at Wolves now gives the option of a plan B which does not actually rely on a CDM with Hughes and Bryson adapting to the 2 central midfield roles, with three further attacking players just in front and a lone striker ahead of them. That will be the option for Wigan away, depending on physical reactions after the Watford match.

Therefore it is likely the midfield will consist of Thorne, Hughes and Bryson. The wide position will be anyone's guess with Ince and Ward being the most likely. If Russell, Lingard, Hendrick and Bent are on the bench, they will be looking to make an impact in the second half.

Watford have only lost one of the last seven and that was an injury defeat to Ipswich in their last league outing. Watford possesses good players in Deeney, Vydra, Ighalo and wide man Anya. They have pace, power and passing ability. They do score a lot of goals so this could be an exciting encounter if they decide to come out and attack.

Watford may need to make alterations in midfield as duo Almen Abdi (hamstring) and Sean Murray (knee) are unavailable. Manager Slavisa Jokanovic will also have to reorganise his defence after Joel Ekstrand injured his cruciate against Ipswich when they lost at home 1-0.

The term 'must win' is commonly used in sport, but on this occasion, for Derby County, if they are to have any hopes of automatic promotion, then this is certainly a ‘must win’ game.

Derby to win 3-1,

Martin to score and Thorne to get the Sky Sports man of the match (if they both start!).

League Form / Match Stats:

Derby — 5th (L,D,D,L,L):

The Rams have won 5 of the last 6 matches against the Hornets at the iPro since 2005.

Things are getting desperate for the Rams after losing 4 and drawing 2 of their last 6 matches.

Watford — 2nd (W,D,W,W,L):

Watford lost 0-1 to Ipswich in their last match — their first loss in 7.

The Hornets have not lost in their last 5 away matches — having won 4 and drawing 1.

Last Time They Met:

Watford 1 v 2 Derby

Sat 22nd of November 2014

Classic Clash Video:

Derby 2 v 0 Watford

Pride Park — 3rd January 2000

Player Video Previews:

Steve McClaren previews Watford’s visit and LoveDerby Day.

Johnny thinks this is a ‘massive game’.

Chris Martin is happy to be back!

COYR!!

Photo: Action Images

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