A 2-0 loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers extended Derby’s run of games without a victory to six heading into the international break, with the former Championship leaders dropping to fifth place in the table as a result of their form.

Despite their consistency for much of the season, four losses and two draws since February 28 have not only seen the club fall from first place, but now trail their successors Bournemouth by six points with seven games to go. A loss on Good Friday to Watford could see the Rams drop out of the top six for the first time since September.

Despite their recent performances however, the iPro stadium remains a difficult place to get a result, with Derby boasting the fifth best home record in the league.

Even during their current run, the Rams have collected 13 points from their last six home games, losing just once in that time; 1-0 to Middlesbrough in their last game there. The club have built their home form on strong starts; of their 19 matches, Derby have found themselves behind just once at half time (against Sheffield Wednesday – a match they would go on to win).

From an attacking standpoint, they have led 12 of their 19 home matches after 45 minutes, with only Bournemouth possessing a better record.

Whilst the international break may have seemed the ideal time to regroup for Steve McLaren and his men, a number of call-ups will have limited the amount of time the side will have spent together.

The pick of the bunch was the club’s contribution to the England Under-21 team that defeated Germany 3-2 on Monday; with midfielders Will Hughes and Jesse Lingard (on loan from Manchester United) both starting for their country, the latter of whom grabbed a goal.

Derby were victorious on their trip to Vicarage Road earlier in the season, with a 2-1 victory courtesy of goals from Jordan Ibe and Craig Bryson. Against the other sides located in the top six in the table, the Rams have recorded three wins, four draws and two losses; both of which came at the hands of Middlesbrough.

Despite winning just under half of their games (49 per cent), Derby have only managed to beat two teams both home and away so far this season – Blackburn Rovers and Bolton Wanderers. A home victory would not only add the Hornets to that list, but would also extend a run of four consecutive wins for Derby against their opponents.

Derby County starting XI vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (20/3/15): Grant; Forsyth, Albentosa, Keogh, Christie; Bryson, Hughes; Lingard, Ince, Russell; Bent (4-2-3-1).