The hottest team in England will look to make it eight wins in a row when they travel to Huddersfield Town on Boxing Day.

Steve McClaren's Derby County have surged up the table and could even grab top spot if the pace-setting trio of Burnley, Queens Park Rangers and Leicester City falter.

There was a setback in the weekend victory over Doncaster Rovers though, as skipper Richard Keogh picked up a knee injury and will now be out of action for a month.

Michael Keane is his most likely replacement for the trip to Huddersfield.

The hosts' form has dipped of late with two losses and a draw following three straight victories.

Manager Mark Robins is able to welcome back Joel Lynch from suspension in place of Murray Wallace in his three-man defence.

Last season when these two met the home side won on both occasions.

Recent form

Huddersfield: DLLWWW

Derby: WWWWWW

Possible starting lineups

Huddersfield: Smithies; Lynch, Gerrard, Smith; Hammill, Gobern, Clayton, Norwood, Dixon; Paterson, Vaughan

Derby: Grant; Wisdom, Keogh, Buxton, Forsyth; Eustace, Hughes, Bryson; Dawkins, Martin, Ward

Sports Mole says: 2-3

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