Derby County vs Watford Predictions

Derby County vs Watford predictions for this Championship clash. Derby County host Watford at Pride Park on Saturday, with both sides eager for a crucial Championship win to boost their league campaigns. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.

Championship | Jan 18, 2025 at 3pm UK at Pride Park Stadium

Derby County vs Watford Predictions

Will Derby or Watford Finally Find Form in This Championship Clash?

• Watford’s Away Woes: The Hornets have won just two of their 13 league matches on the road this season, showcasing their travel struggles.
• Derby’s Home Comforts: Six of Derby’s seven league wins this season have come at Pride Park, highlighting their reliance on home advantage.
• Bayo’s Threat: Watford’s Vakoun Bayo has scored 10 league goals this season, including a vital equaliser in their last outing.

Our Tips

Saturday’s Championship showdown between Derby County and Watford at Pride Park carries weight for both sides as they look to shake off their poor recent form. The Rams are desperately seeking to claw their way out of the lower reaches of the table, currently sitting 18th and just four points above the relegation zone. Having failed to win any of their last four matches across all competitions, including a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to Leyton Orient in the FA Cup, Derby’s spirits are undoubtedly low. However, their home form has provided occasional glimmers of hope, with six of their seven league wins this season coming at Pride Park.

Meanwhile, Watford’s story isn’t much better. The Hornets, perched in ninth, are three points off the playoff spots but have failed to secure a victory in their last five matches. Their most recent outing—a 1-1 draw with Cardiff—did little to inspire confidence. Watford’s dismal away form, having won just two of their 13 league games on the road this season, further complicates their task against a Derby side that often finds an extra gear at home.

Both teams come into this fixture with something to prove. Will Derby’s home comforts provide a much-needed boost, or can Watford finally overcome their travel sickness?

Best Bet: Both Teams to Score

The standout betting angle for this encounter is both teams to find the net. Neither Derby nor Watford have been defensively solid this season, and with attacking quality on both sides, goals at both ends feel inevitable.

Derby’s defensive record has been underwhelming, with 35 goals conceded in 26 league games. Their inability to keep a clean sheet has been particularly evident in recent matches, conceding in all of their last five outings. However, the Rams have shown enough attacking flair at Pride Park to suggest they can trouble a Watford defence that has been equally suspect on their travels. Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and Martyn Waghorn, when available, have shown glimpses of creativity and potency in the final third, while new signing Lars-Jorgen Salvesen could make an impact if paperwork is sorted in time.

For Watford, Vakoun Bayo remains the main attacking threat, with 10 league goals to his name. His late equaliser against Cardiff underlined his ability to deliver in key moments, even when the rest of the team is underperforming. Watford’s overall tally of 35 goals this season suggests they can breach Derby’s shaky defence. However, their own backline, having conceded 36 goals, is far from reliable.

Recent results back this bet as well. Both teams have scored in Derby’s last two matches, including their thrilling 3-3 draw against Leeds. Watford, meanwhile, have scored in three of their last five games despite their struggles.

“With both sides struggling defensively and possessing just enough attacking firepower, backing both teams to score is a logical and value-packed option.” – BettingTips4You.com expert Steve Harrington.

Correct Score Prediction: Derby County 2-2 Watford

A 2-2 draw feels like a plausible outcome in this encounter, reflecting both sides’ defensive vulnerabilities and attacking potential. Derby’s home record suggests they will find the net at least twice, while Watford’s ability to score on the counter or through Bayo’s clinical finishing could see them match their hosts.

Derby have managed to score an average of 1.2 goals per home game, with Pride Park often providing them the spark missing in their away performances. Watford’s away form has been poor, but their attacking quality ensures they remain a threat, especially against a side as defensively inconsistent as Derby.

The Rams will look to capitalise on Watford’s defensive weaknesses, but with players like Yaser Larouci and Imran Louza capable of turning defence into attack quickly, the Hornets could strike back. This end-to-end dynamic makes a high-scoring draw highly likely.

Watford’s struggles on the road mean a win might be beyond them, but their ability to score late goals, as seen against Cardiff, could see them salvage a point in a pulsating encounter.

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