Derby County secured a much-needed victory at the weekend, as they defeated high-flying Sheffield Wednesday 2-0 at the iPro Stadium, in a result that could kickstart the Rams season.

Heading into the weekend's match, Derby had struggled to put together a regular run of form and had just 14 points to their name, which put them amongst the worst sides in England's second-tier.

Now though, with a victory that saw the Rams rise out of the drop-zone, Derby could rise up the table and a solid run of form could see them push into the race for a play-off spot- and we believe the club could definitely finish in the top six.

It's a big ask of a side that's won just four of 15 games this season but there have been positive signs in the past month that suggest things are set to improve, which we've detailed here.

Hit 'Begin Gallery' to see THREE reasons why Derby will clinch a play-off spot!

Much improved form

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Whilst four wins from 15 is a terrible return, the fact that Derby have achieved three of those victories in just over a month demonstrates just how much they've improved.

It took the Rams until the 27th of September to secure their first win since the third round of fixtures, which came on the road against Cardiff, but since then, the signs have been much more positive.

Derby won two of their five matches in October, losing just one, and their victories came against promotion chasing Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday, which shows that Steve McClaren's side are capable of beating the better sides in the division.

Steve McClaren

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Derby were heavily criticised by many for appointing Steve McClaren once again, having last seen the former England boss managing the side last year, but the appointment of a man who already knows the club well may just be the best decision the club has made in a long time.

McClaren's first game back in charge at the iPro was the 1-0 victory over Leeds, with the club then drawing with Brentford before losing to Huddersfield, which was expected given the Yorkshire side's position in the table.

With the recent 2-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday, McClaren has shown he's getting the best out of the squad and he'll look to continue his solid form into November; where the Rams face Wolves, Rotherham and Norwich.

Capable squad

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The Derby squad was definitely underperforming in the past few months, and a side of their calibre should not be in this sort of position.

If the players can turn things around, then they have the capability of turning this season into a successful one.

Will Hughes, one of England's most highly-rated youngsters, and Tom Ince, formerly a target for Inter Milan, have the capability to lead the side up the table and the experienced heads of Darren Bent, Richard Keogh and Scott Carson will certainly help.