Nigel Clough is preparing himself for a very hectic few weeks as Derby County manager.

The Rams will play nine games inside the next month, a run of games that Clough believes will go a long way to shaping up how the Championship table will look come the end of the season.

Derby kick off the busy run of games with the visit of fellow mid-table rivals Watford at Pride Park this afternoon.

Chris Porter's goal handed Derby all three points against the Hornets back in December

"Watford will be a very tough nut to crack," Nigel told Rams Player.

"They had a dent in confidence with the financial problems a few months ago, but Malky Mackay has steadied the ship and I am sure he is looking forward to building for next season.

"Watford have used the loan market well and in some ways you could say they have been the benchmark for how to use the loan market.

"The game is the start of a busy few weeks for us and in true form the Championship is too tough to call.

"A few defeats can see you drop quite a few places as we've seen with back-to-back losses against Swansea and West Bromwich Albion.

"We have a really hectic few weeks ahead of us, so we have an opportunity to get that momentum going again and move into the top half.

"It is a heavy programme, but our injuries are clearing so we're confident we can pick up the results we want.

"I think the next month will go a long way to deciding things, and we certainly don't want to look back on the next nine games or so wondering what might have been with pressure mounting.

"We want to get the points in the bag as soon as possible."

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