Derby County are in a strong position at the start of 2019, with Frank Lampard's men looking capable of pushing for promotion.

The Rams are currently sixth in the league, boasting a four-point cushion over the chasing play-off pack.

Given that, remaining in the top six will be the minimum expectation this season and Lampard may have ambitions of surging into the top two.

However, January will be crucial to Derby either way - as it is for all those sides competing for promotion.

It presents the boss with a chance to freshen up his squad and to solve any weaknesses that he feels the squad may have for the final months of the campaign.

Here we look at THREE things that could make January perfect for the East Midlands outfit...

Obviously, this is out of Derby's hands but Liverpool have the power to recall Wilson this month if needed.

It's highly unlikely that it will happen, with injuries the only reason you would expect Jurgen Klopp to consider it.

Nevertheless, given his importance to the Rams, Lampard will still be nervous and will breathe a sigh of relief if the Welsh international remains a Derby player in February.

Derby have a good squad but there are always ways to improve it and they have been linked with a move for Jacob Murphy today.

The Newcastle winger is out of favour and could join on loan.

With his pace, skill and productivity, he would be a real asset in the Championship.

Another bonus would be shifting the many players that are not needed to reduce the wage bill.

The likes of Alex Pearce, George Thorne, Jacob Butterfield and Ikechi Anya are examples of senior players who may want to move for regular football.