Derby County head to Vicarage Road this weekend looking to maintain their push for a top-six finish in the Championship.
The Rams come off a 2-0 win over Swansea City, a result that reinforced their reputation as one of the division’s strongest away sides this season.
John Eustace will be hoping his squad can carry that momentum into a tricky encounter against Watford, now managed by Ed Still, brother of former Southampton boss.
The match marks another important chapter in Derby’s campaign, as the team looks to consolidate its position near the playoff spots.
After a period of mixed results earlier in the season, the Rams have found a rhythm under Eustace, combining a solid defensive structure with a more dynamic attacking style.
Maintaining consistency on the road has been a key factor in their rise up the table, and Eustace will be looking to continue that trend at Vicarage Road.
Eustace has been full of praise for the attitude of his players in recent weeks, especially those returning from injury.
“It’s been great to see Dion [Sanderson] and Callum [Elder] back in action,” he said.
“Carlton Morris coming on against Swansea was another boost. The players are showing real commitment in training and in matches, which is exactly what we need as we approach the business end of the season.”
The manager highlighted how the squad’s professionalism and focus have been crucial in navigating a series of setbacks.
For Eustace, seeing players push themselves in training, even when dealing with minor niggles or coming back from long-term injuries, has been a positive sign for the remainder of the campaign.
Despite the good news of returning players, Derby are still managing several injury concerns. Full-back Max Johnston has endured a particularly frustrating spell.
The Scotland international suffered a hamstring injury back in October and had been on the verge of returning to full fitness in January.
Unfortunately, a calf injury has set him back once again, meaning he is expected to be sidelined for another three to four weeks.
Eustace praised Johnston’s attitude during his enforced absence:
“Max still comes into the meetings and contributes,” he said.
“We’ve involved his family to support him as well. He’s a terrific lad, and it’s tough to be out for this long, especially when he was gaining momentum. But he has a strong mentality and will bounce back.”
Goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterström has also faced a challenging few weeks, battling a virus that ruled him out of matches against Bristol City and Swansea.
Although he returned briefly to feature in the West Brom game, the illness lingered, and he has since been limited to individual work on the grass with coach Paul Clements.
Eustace is hopeful that the Swedish international could be available for the weekend, but the manager is taking a careful approach to ensure he is fully recovered.
Meanwhile, centre-back Sondre Langås suffered a hamstring problem during the clash with West Brom, forcing him to miss the 5-0 win at Bristol City.
The Norwegian defender is not expected back for three to four weeks. Eustace emphasised that he will not rush Langås’ return, confident in the squad’s depth at the back, which has allowed Derby to maintain defensive solidity despite his absence.
Managing these setbacks has required careful planning from the coaching staff, particularly as Derby look to maintain consistency in a congested fixture schedule.
Eustace has had to balance giving key players time to recover with fielding a competitive side capable of winning crucial matches.
Despite these injury challenges, Eustace is encouraged by the progress his squad has made.
Returning players like Sanderson, Elder, and Morris have not only boosted numbers but also raised competition for places, which has been vital for maintaining intensity in training and matches.
“We are managing what we have well,” Eustace said.
“Some players are returning; others are progressing steadily. It’s all about keeping everyone fit and ready for the next challenge.”
He highlighted that even players who are not yet back to full fitness continue to contribute to the squad, attending meetings and offering input on tactical sessions.
This collective mentality has helped Derby stay competitive, even when key players are unavailable.
Looking ahead to the clash with Watford, Eustace is aware of the challenges posed by a side now under new management.
“We know it’s going to be a tough game,” he said.
“Watford are under a new manager and will be eager to respond, but we have to stay true to our approach, use our strengths, and manage the squad carefully.”
Derby’s tactical focus is likely to remain on a disciplined defensive shape, quick transitions, and exploiting spaces in wide areas, strategies that have served them well on the road this season.
Eustace also stressed the importance of mental resilience, noting that his players must maintain focus throughout the game and adapt to whatever Watford presents.
As Derby prepare for another important away clash, the balance between caution and ambition remains central to Eustace’s management.
While injuries continue to test squad depth, the returns of key players and the gradual progress of those sidelined provide reason for optimism.
With the Rams’ strong away record and a squad determined to maintain momentum, Eustace is confident that Derby can continue their push for a top-six finish while protecting the long-term fitness of the team’s core players.
Fans will be hoping that the squad’s commitment, combined with tactical discipline, will deliver another positive result on the road.
