Derby County travel to Watford on Friday evening looking for their third win in a week following victories over Middlesbrough and Wycombe Wanderers last time out.

The Rams have won five of their last six games to move away from the drop zone.

With five players arriving on deadline day, Derby’s squad has been fleshed out and manager Wayne Rooney can now juggle the rigorous schedule with options aplenty.

Derby County v Middlesbrough - Sky Bet Championship
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Both Teden Mengi and Lee Gregory have made full debuts since arriving on loan, while Patrick Roberts, Beni Baningime and George Edmundson have come off the bench.

Here is how we believe Derby will line up at Watford with another first start:

Derby boss Wayne Rooney hasn’t been afraid to switch up his side to match the opposition.

The Rams have played 4-3-3, 4-4-2 and 3-5-2 in recent weeks.

For Derby’s trip to Watford, we believe Rooney will go to a back three and look to stifle the Hornets who scored six in their last home encounter against Bristol City.

Matt Clarke should recover from his injury, while Andre Wisdom retains his place and George Edmundson comes in for his first start following his loan move from Rangers.

Clarke, Edmundson and Wisdom would provide plenty of physicality at the back, allowing Nathan Byrne and Lee Buchanan to push on and play higher up the pitch.

Jason Knight, Graeme Shinnie and Max Bird make up a midfield three.

Derby County v Blackburn Rovers - Sky Bet Championship
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Kamil Jozwiak may need a rest following the heavy schedule. The Poland international looked off the boil at Wycombe while Lee Gregory also struggled to get going.

Waghorn has featured wide right of late, but Rooney may put him up alongside Colin Kazim-Richards in the hope he can rediscover his top form from last season.

Also see: Report: Derby rival Championship clubs for striker dubbed ‘hottest property in the country’

Also see: Rowett suggests Millwall ace who joined from Derby is among league’s best signings this season

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