Derby County entered the international break off the back of a resounding 5-0 victory over Wolves, securing their place at the top of the table going into the weekend away from the Championship.

Two goals apiece from Jeff Hendrick and Johnny Russell secured the emphatic win, after defender Ryan Shotton opened the scoring at The iPro Stadium. Alongside the pleasing number of goals scored, the clean sheet was the Rams’ first in five games; dating back to a 1-0 victory over Blackpool in October.

In addition to leading the Championship with 17 games played, Derby County also boast the most goals scored (32) and the best goal difference , with plus 17, in the division; although second-placed Bournemouth have also recorded the same amount of goals scored and conceded. Whilst it was striking partner Russell that enjoyed a proficient afternoon against Wolves, Chris Martin is joint top of the Championship scorers’ list, alongside three others, with ten goals so far – and 12 in all competitions.

Both Martin and Russell featured for Scotland during the international break, with the latter making his debut against England; coming on as a substitute in the second half. In addition to the Scottish duo, a number of County players featured for England youth teams; with Jack Butland and Will Hughes making appearances for the Under 21s against Portugal, whilst Jordan Ibe and Kwame Thomas came off the bench for the U-20s against Canada.

Derby County do have some crucial league fixtures coming up, but they will undoubtedly have an eye on their Capital One Cup quarter final tie against Chelsea at home in mid-December. The Rams have stormed to the fifth round of the competition, eliminating Carlisle, Charlton, Reading and Fulham. The match against The Premier League leaders will mark their first cup quarter final since 2008/09.

Against Watford, The Rams recorded a pair of wins last season, winning 3-2 at Vicarage Road and 4-2 at The iPro Stadium. The last ten games between the sides have yielded seven Derby wins and three for the Hornets. There hasn’t been a draw between the teams in their last 12 games; a run that dates back to 2006.

In team news, goalkeeper Jack Butland has had his loan from Stoke City increased by seven days and will be eligible for the trip to Vicarage Road. Butland’s inclusion suggests keeper Lee Grant is still suffering from an ankle injury picked up in October.

In addition, midfielder Zak Whitbread and forward Jamie Ward are also both ruled out, with back and thigh problems respectively.

Derby County starting XI v Wolves (8/11/14): Butland; Christie, Keogh, Shotton, Forsyth; Hendrick, Mascarell, Hughes; Russell, Martin, Dawkins.