Three reasons why Derby County have a great chance of automatic promotion

Before the start of the season, Derby County were the favourites not just to earn promotion but to win the league title and so far they've not lived up to expectation.

However, recent form has looked positive and the Rams look to be moving towards the new year heading in the right direction.

They are only eight points off current league leaders Bolton Wanderers and have lost just once in five league games winning the other four.

So with optimism starting to creep in around Pride Park, here are three reasons why Derby have a good shot at automatic promotion.

1. They have found their talisman

It has taken a while, but it seems as though finally the Rams have figured out who their key player is and how to use him.

Last season, the attack was built around David McGoldrick and since he left in the summer, the Rams have looked lost going forward.

However over the past month and a half, with the improvement in form has come the stand out performances from one player. Nathaniel Mendez-Laing.

The Guatemalan winger had always shown his potential but only in flashes, however it seems now like Derby's attack is built more around him and with improved confidence in front of goal, Mendez-Laing is relishing the chance.

By the end of the season, he could be seen as one of the best performers in the league if he carries on his form, which could be vital to the Rams' success.

2. Home form has drastically improved

Derby's poor start to the season was mostly highlighted at home where they couldn't seem to get a rhythm going. The crowd were getting aggitated and despite Paul Warne's side getting results away from home, it seemed no progress was being made.

However, in recent weeks, Pride Park has become more of a fortress with Derby winning thier last four league games whilst only conceding one goal in those games.

The crowd are a lot more supportive and there is more of a positive atmosphere surrounding Pride Park.

As it is the biggest stadium in League One, the Rams can use this form to their advantage making it an intimidating away trip for opposing teams. If they can continue to keep up the form at home, they will notice a slide up the league table in no time.

3. The top of League One is wide open

Before the season started, it was discussed that League One was wide open and it has been just that. Without the Championship calibre teams such as Plymouth Argyle and Ipswich Town, the top of the table could change throughout the season.

Early leaders Portsmouth have started to drop points and the likes of Stevenage and Oxford have been inconsistent which has gifted the top spot to in form Bolton at the moment.

If the Rams continue their good form and the top teams continue to fluctuate, they could find themselves right up there come the end of the season despite the slow start.

Derby fans have every reason to believe that they can still win the league this year, it should be an exciting second half of the season, no doubt.