Preview: Watford vs. Derby County

Watford could move up into the automatic promotion places in the Championship on Saturday with victory over Derby County at Vicarage Road.

Gianfranco Zola's side are currently three points behind second-placed Hull City, but they have a superior goal difference to the Tigers.

A win for 10th-placed Derby this weekend would keep the Rams' slim promotion hopes alive.

Daniel Pudil could return to the Watford squad, while Derby are expected to welcome back Jake Buxton.

However, Kieron Freeman remains a concern for the visitors after he limped off during Tuesday's 1-1 draw at Bolton Wanderers.

Recent form

Watford: WLWDWW

Derby: LWDLDD

Possible lineups

Watford: Almunia; Doyley, Nosworthy, Ekstrand; Cassetti, Chalobah, Battocchio, Abdi, Anya; Vydra, Deeney

Derby: Legzdins; Brayford, Keogh, Hoganson, Freeman; Bryson, Coutts, Hendrick, Jacobs; Ward, Sammon

Sports Mole says: 2-0