Derby v Watford Preview

Posted on | December 19, 2008 | No Comments

This is yet another game which sees two sides who side next to each other in the table take part, with Derby languishing in 18^th while Watford are above them in 17^th. The Hornets found themselves in the relegation zone not so long ago although the arrival of new manager Brendan Rodgers seems to have resolved that one, while Derby may be looking for a new boss themselves shortly should the media reports about Paul Jewell turn out to be correct.

At the start of the season it seemed as though Paul Jewell was walking a fine line, with a dreadful start resulting in intense media pressure surrounding his future. He managed to turn things around, for the time being at least, although now results have taken a turn for the worst again and that pressure is back on. The Rams are now looking over their shoulder and sit just eight points away from the bottom three, having collected just two points in their last six games. Anyone who watched their televised game against Charlton on Monday will tell you how bitterly lucky they were to get anything from that game, with a last second Nathan Ellington strike earning the Rams a 2-2 draw. However, if they continue to play like that there’s no doubt their position will continue to dwindle and Paul Jewell has a lot of work on his hands if he is to ease this media pressure.

Watford on the other hand look to be turning their season around. They looked to be in turmoil following Aidy Boothroyd’s exit not so long ago, although the appointment of Brendan Rodgers looks to be working and the Hornets have now just lost once in their last six games. They’ve won their last two against Norwich and Coventry respectively, although both of those were at home so it’ll be interesting to see what influence Rodgers have when the team are playing away from Vicarage Road.

As for team news, Derby will be without their captain Paul Connolly who is out with a knee injury. Giles Barnes is unlikely to be risked having missed so much of the season, although Nathan Ellington has been made available after an early scare. As for the visitors, Brendan Rodgers looks set to be without Ross Jenkins who is struggling with a knee problem. However, on loan youngster Liam Bridcutt is a ready-made replacement, while other absentees include goalkeeper Mart Poom and skipper Jay DeMerit.

Derby put in an absolutely shambolic performance against Charlton on Monday and it will take a huge improvement if they are to take anything from this game. With Watford in good form and buzzing under the management of Rodgers, we can only see this as an away win – 1-0 Hornets.

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5. Bristol City v Watford Preview

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