Watford are due to host Derby County in the first of three crucial games in a week at Vicarage Road in a 3pm kick off on Saturday.
Last time the two sides met, Edo Kayembe scored twice in five minutes, helping Watford complete a comeback from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at Pride Park.
The Hornets could find themselves level with the Play-Off places if results go their way; meanwhile, the Rams could move further clear in sixth place with another win on the road.
Edward Still started his Watford tenure with a 2-2 draw away at Preston North End.
The Englishman started with four centre-backs playing Stephen Mfuni over Marc Bola at left back, and James Abankwah slotting in at right back, with Jeremy Ngakia’s new injury.
Knowing Saba Goglichidze’s partnership alongside Mattie Pollock last weekend, it will be hard for both to drop out of the side.
However, Formose Mendy was bright when coming onto the pitch against Preston.
The Former Charleroi head-coach made the right call to bring Kwadwo Baah on at half-time as he added pace to the side, which was lacking in the first and claimed an assist for Watford’s 2nd goal.
With Edward Still liking pace within his side, it will be interesting to see who he picks in attack, given Baah’s impact off the bench on Saturday.
Nestroy Irankunda also returns from suspension this weekend, which adds to the quality of selection in attack.
Both of Derby’s goals came from set pieces at the weekend in a 2-0 win at home to Swansea City.
Watford have been conceding a lot from set pieces recently, against Southampton FC, Swansea and Blackburn Rovers.
The height of Patrick Agyemang allows a physical presence in the box from corners and free kicks.
Additionally, Joe Ward and Agyemang’s linkup has been key for Derby County. Often, crosses into the box from Ward lead to an Agyemang goal, so Watford need to keep those two at bay this weekend.
Agyemang has found a rich vein of scoring since the Injury of Carlton Morris, with ten goals so far this season, and three goals in his last four matches.
The American adds an aerial presence in attack, with five of his goals coming from headers.
Despite Morris’s injury, Agyemang has provided a real boost to the side, pushing the Rams up into that final play-off spot, with a real opportunity of claiming it.
Othmane Maamma has perked up his form again, claiming his first goal since Boxing Day at the weekend with a calm finish into the bottom right corner.
The winger has four goals and 1 assist this season, with an average match rating of 7.1 per match.
The Moroccan created the most dribbles in the match against Southampton with eleven and a 64% success rate.
His ability to track back well is key in this division, so it also plays a part in his consistent run of games ahead of Baah and Irankunda.
A crucial match for both sides, with Watford looking to boost their play-off hopes, while Derby will look to maintain their play-off place, I predict a 1-1 draw in a close match between the two.
