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Clough: Back-to-back defeats

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Derby will hope to recover from back-to-back defeats as they welcome Watford to Pride Park on Saturday.

Since their surprise 3-0 win over Championship leaders Newcastle last month, the Rams have lost three of their last four but now face a Watford side that hold the same number of points.

The Hornets edge Derby in 15th place on goal difference heading into the clash having played two games less, but Rams boss Nigel Clough will hope home advantage can help them leapfrog the Londoners.

Leading scorer Rob Hulse is expected to be fit for Derby. The 10-goal striker was an unused substitute for the defeat to West Brom last weekend because of a back problem.

Fellow forward Steve Davies made his comeback from a hamstring strain with a late outing from the bench at the Hawthorns. He continued to step-up his return to fitness by playing an hour for the reserves this week.

Dean Leacock also played in that game and the defender is on the verge of the squad after recovering from the knee injury he suffered in December.

Left-back Jay McEveley completes a two-match suspension and will return to contention for the trip to Reading on Tuesday night.

Lee Hendrie is set to resume full training next week after being out for two months with hamstring and calf problems, while fellow midfielder Gary Teale is nearing a return after sustaining a calf injury at the end of January.

Watford news

Will Buckley, a January signing from Rochdale, has been sidelined with a thigh problem but is in contention to make his Hornets debut.

Buckley proved his fitness with a run-out for the reserves in midweek and should travel to Pride Park.

Watford will be without Tom Cleverley as the on-loan Manchester United midfielder serves the second game of his three-match ban following his recent red card against Scunthorpe.

Boss Malky Mackay will also check on defender Jay DeMerit, who picked up a knock playing for the USA against Holland.

Will Hoskins is pressing for a start in attack after following up his goal as a substitute in the 2-1 defeat by Newcastle last weekend with a hat-trick for the reserves.