Watford vs Derby: Summary, H2H Stats, Lineups & Highlights

As Watford prepare to host Derby County on February 21, 2026, with kick-off at 16:00, this ENGLAND: Championship fixture promises high stakes in a tightly contested title race.

Watford, currently 12th in the standings with 45 points from 32 games, trail the leaders by 17 points. They've earned 29 points from 16 home games this season. Their recent form has been weak, with 3 draws and 2 losses in their last five matches. They've shown defensive issues, conceding 6 goals. At the same time, they've displayed limited attacking output with 3 goals scored.

Derby County, sitting 6th with 48 points, enter as favorites but face a tough test on the road, where they've earned 27 points from 15 games this season. Their recent form has been strong, with 3 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss in their last five matches. They've shown a solid defensive record, conceding 4 goals. At the same time, they've displayed a strong attacking output with 11 goals scored.

Recent meetings between Watford and Derby County have favored Watford, with Derby County claiming victory in their most recent clash (3-2). Over the past few seasons, Watford have held the upper hand in this matchup.

In their previous league match against Preston NE, Watford recorded a 2-2 draw while lining up in a 3-5-2 formation. Their starting XI featured Selvik, Mfuni, Pollock, Abankwah, Goglichidze, Louza, Mendy, Maamma, Kayembe, Chakvetadze, Kjerrumgaard. The structure prioritized compactness, making it difficult for opponents to find space between the lines.

Derby County's last outing came against Swansea, where they secured a 2-0 victory using a 4-1-4-1 system. Their starting XI featured Vickers, Elder, Clarke, Sanderson, Ward, Fraulo, Ozoh, Brewster, Szmodics, Brereton Diaz, Agyemang. This tactical approach balanced risk and reward, adapting dynamically to the flow of the game.

Looking ahead, Watford are expected to maintain their unknown structure, Watford and Derby County are expected to use their standard structures. The contest is set to revolve around midfield control, pressing efficiency, and how effectively each side manages transitions between defense and attack.

Goal trends from the last ten games across all competitions suggest a moderate number of goals: Watford's fixtures have averaged 2.3 goals per game, with 3 going over 2.5 and both teams scoring in 40% of those matches, alongside 3 clean sheets. Derby County's games average 2.7 goals, with 6 going over 2.5 and both teams scoring in 60% of those matches, alongside 4 clean sheets. With both sides showing defensive resilience, expect a low-scoring affair.

ScoresFeed.com is covering Watford vs Derby County in real time, providing live score of the match, team line-ups, full match stats, and live match commentary.