Watford v Derby: play-off push meets mid-table ambitions | OneFootball

Watford host Derby County in the Championship on Saturday, 21 February 2026 at Vicarage Road, with the visitors in the play-off places and the hosts aiming to spark their charge after a five-game winless run.

Watford have dominated this fixture, winning the past five meetings, including a 3-2 victory away in November. Derby County arrive in sixth and with momentum after three wins in five, capped by a 2-0 home success against Swansea and a 5-0 triumph at Bristol City.

Derby have Patrick Agyemang and Carlton Morris on 10 league goals apiece, while service from Joe Ward and Callum Elder has been a steady supply line. The Hornets may lean on their ball use, averaging 52% possession with 80.59% passing accuracy this season, and creator Imran Louzan sits among the division's leading providers with seven assists.

Injuries shape selection on both sides. Watford are without Hector Matthew Kyprianou, Jeremy Ngakia and Rocco Vata. The Rams list goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterström, defenders Sondre Langås and Max Johnston, plus midfielder Bobby Clark as sidelined, which could force defensive reshuffles. Derby's aerial threat remains notable, with 13 headed goals and a 24.11% open-play cross accuracy, an area the hosts may need to protect.

The Rams sit on 48 points and a win would take them to 51, tightening their grip on the play-off places. The Hornets are 12th on 45. Victory would move them to 48 and keep them within reach of the top six conversation.