Derby County Preview - Away, Oct 30th

Watford face the daunting prospect of a trip to in-form Derby County on Saturday at Pride Park.

Having started the season impressively live on television with a 2-1 victory over Leeds United, Nigel Clough`s side had faltered. However a recent run has seen them climb the Championship table to a less precarious middling position.

Clough has added three players on loan in recent weeks, the first being veteran striker Shefki Kuqi, who penned a 93 day 'emergency loan` from Swansea City. A further striking option was added in the form of West Bromwich Albion forward Luke Moore whilst Blackburn`s young England U21 stopper Frank Fielding has joined on a temporary basis to cover for the injured Stephen Bywater.

Derby County Team News:

As ever, Nigel Clough has an injury list the length of his arm with five senior pro`s definitely out, a further two doubtful and three as good as back to full fitness.

Miles Addison, Stephen Bywater, Jake Buxton, Steven Davies and Chris Porter all miss the clash whilst Stephen Pearson may only be fit enough for a place on the bench. Loanee Luke Moore is likely to challenge Spanish striker Alberto Bueno for a starting berth alongside Fin Kuqi.

Line-up Vs. PNE:

Fielding

Brayford Barker Leacock Moxey

Green Savage (c) Bailey Commons

Bueno Kuqi

Key Player - Kris Commons:

Talismanic winger-cum-forward whose career to date his been blighted with injury problems. Got his break at fierce rivals Nottingham Forest having come through Stoke City`s Academy system. Joined the Rams on a free from Forest following the expiration of his contract and has since hit 15 in 53.

Home Form:

Derby County 5-0 Crystal Palace

Derby County 3-1 Middlesbrough

Derby County 3-0 PNE

Head2Head:

Derby County 2-0 Watford

Watford 0-1 Derby County

Watford 3-1 Derby County

Derby County 1-0 Watford

Watford Team News:

Malky Mackay will sweat on the fitness of strikers Marvin Sordell and Danny Graham ahead of this one whilst Don Cowie is sidelined still. If Sordell and Graham do miss out then 500k man Troy Deeney may well be partnered by Will Buckley up top.

Likely Line-up:

Loach

Doyley Mariappa M.Taylor A.Taylor

Eustace (c)

Bryan Mutch McGinn

Deeney/Sordell Buckley/Graham

Away Form:

Millwall 1-6 Watford

Sheffield United 0-1 Watford

Portsmouth 3-2 Watford

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