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Watford vs Derby Predictions: Hornets should be buzzing at home
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Phil Agius
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Watford have made a good start in Tom Cleverley's first full season as manager at Vicarage Road
Watford have made a good start in Tom Cleverley's first full season as manager at Vicarage Road

- Watford have scored 11 goals in their first three matches of the season
- Derby conceded four goals in their first Championship away game
- Recommended bet: Watford to win 

Watford take on promoted Derby at Vicarage Road in an interesting Championship fixture on Saturday afternoon (15:00 kick-off).

The Hornets have made a fantastic unbeaten start to the season while the Rams got their first second-tier success on the board with a home win over Middlesbrough last Saturday.

Team news

Watford's only new injury concern is defender Jeremy Ngakia, who picked up a muscle injury in the 3-0 win over Stoke. Loanee Yasser Larouci could replace him after impressing as a substitute in that match.

Ryan Porteous is available again after illness but Wesley Hoedt is not expected to play as he negotiates a move away from the club.

Derby are still missing defender Jake Rooney, who has a long-term injury, while Corey Blackett-Taylor is closing in on a return.

The stats

Watford have lost only two of their last 12 matches in all competitions.

The Hornets have scored eight goals without reply in their last two games.

Derby beat Middlesbrough 1-0 despite losing the shot count 15-2.

Watford won both league meetings the last time the teams played in the same division in 2020-21.

Derby have won only one of their last five away matches.

Edo Kayembe has scored three goals in Wtford's first two league games.

Paul Warne's side got a smash and grab win over Middlesbrough last weekend
Paul Warne's side got a smash and grab win over Middlesbrough last weekend

Prediction

Watford had a poor campaign in the Championship last season, finishing 15th and having a particularly tough time in home games, winning only six of their 23 league matches at Vicarage Road.

Things look much brighter already under manager Tom Cleverley this season as the Hornets have won their first two league games and progressed in the EFL Cup by thrashing MK Dons 5-0.

They have blasted in 11 goals in their first three matches while playing some excellent football and promoted Derby could struggle to keep tabs on them on Saturday.

The Rams finished second to Portsmouth in League One last season but got a rude awakening on their first game back in the Championship when losing 4-2 at Blackburn on the opening night.

They beat League Two Chesterfield in the EFL Cup and followed that with their first league success by the only goal of the game at home to Middlesbrough. 

That looks a notable success on paper but the stats show how much County rode their luck as Boro outshot them 15-2, had 70 per-cent of the possession and took eight of the 11 corners in the match.

Paul Warne's side may try to repeat that rearguard action and look for opportunities to counter-attack but Watford are fancied to find their way through in their current irresistible form.

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ChampionshipWatfordDerby County
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