Preview: Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Derby County

Three weeks ago Derby County were two points clear at the top of the Championship after recording back-to-back home wins over Charlton Athletic and Sheffield Wednesday.

Five games later, the Rams are only two points better off and now in danger of dropping out of the playoff places as they prepare to face Wolverhampton Wanderers in a battle between two of the division's top eight on Friday night.

Steve McClaren's side have won none, drawn two and lost three of their five games since beating Wednesday to drop to fifth in the table, five points behind the pacesetting duo of Watford and Middlesbrough.

It is no coincidence that the Rams have been without a recognised striker during their recent struggles, with both Darren Bent and Chris Martin suffering injuries in a vital stretch of the season.

McClaren is hoping that Bent can make his return at Molineux, but the game will come too soon for Martin, who should make his return after the upcoming two-week international break which follows this weekend's fixtures.

Derby certainly need the duo back soon as they have scored just three goals in the recent five-game winless spell.

The Rams' recent slide means that they are just three points above seventh-placed Ipswich Town and one of the sides that Wolves are hunting down in their bid to finish in the top six.

Kenny Jackett's side ended their own three-game winless streak with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday to remain within touching distance of the two sides above them, Brentford and Ipswich, who also both recorded wins last night.

With four of their last five wins coming by margins of three or more goals, Wolves' goal difference is improving, but they still have the worst differential in the top eight with eight games to go.

Jackett only has one fresh injury doubt after Richard Stearman left Tuesday's game on a stretcher. The problem is not thought to be too serious, but he is likely to miss the visit of Derby, with Ethan Ebanks-Landell taking his place at centre-back.

At the other end of the pitch, Benik Afobe was on the scoresheet against Wednesday with a cool finish off the inside of the post to make it eight goals in 12 starts since a January switch from Arsenal.

Derby have won just one of their last seven trips to Molineux, but did record a thumping 5-0 win in the November reverse at the iPro Stadium.

Wolves:

Recent form: WWLDDW

Possible starting lineup: Kuszczak; Doherty, Batth, Ebanks-Landell, Golbourne; Van La Parra, McDonald, Price, Sako; Afobe, Dicko

Derby:

Recent form: WLLDDL

Possible starting lineup: Grant; Christie, Keogh, Albentosa, Forsyth; Hendrick, Bryson, Hughes; Ince, Bent, Russell

Sports Mole says: 2-2