Derby County vs. Nottingham Forest

Article by e-Derby County Correspondent Chrs Harrison

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With the build up for this game starting at the final whistle back on the 28th September after a 1-0 defeat at the City Ground. A game which saw former manager Nigel Clough relieved of his duties, a match proving to be the final straw for the Derby board. Those events led to the appointment of Steve Mclaren, who will take charge of his east midlands derby, but his first for new club Derby County.

Forest at home is the first fixture that Rams fans look for when the fixtures are released in July. Over 33,000 fans will fill out Pride Park stadium to create an amazing atmosphere ready for the sky cameras on Saturday lunchtime.

Derby will be looking to finish one of the many chances that have come to nothing in the last 4 matches. Each game coming by with decent performances, a tight defence, dominating possession, and plenty of chances created. All of those attributes would have most teams dreaming to be in that position but the one key factor to winning games, goals, have been missing.

Forest in contrast can’t get a win, having gone 7 matches without a winning result. Billy Davies will be concerned with his team’s current form, starting the current run with the defeat to League One Sheffield United in the FA Cup. The Forest manager will also be concerned with the current number of injuries that his team have picked up.

Derby should have teen sensation Will Hughes return to the team following his early exit in the 0-0 draw at Reading last week. John Eustace will miss out following the start of his 2 match suspension and should see, loanee, George Thorne make his debut in this fiery encounter. Derby have all striking options available for this anticipated match, with the whole squad aiming to impress Steve Mclaren to be involved in this contest.

This could be the most important “Brian Clough” derby in the last 15 years, with both teams vying for promotion. With Leicester and Burnley currently running away from the chasing pack the playoffs look the likeliest of outcomes for both teams. That of course is provided that these rivals improve their current form that would be more worthy of teams battling at the other end of the table.

The outcome of this game has probably never been as important before. The winner of this match likely to renew their previous form that got them into promotion contention prior to February. With this in mind the game could be a cagey affair with neither team wanting to give anything away. With the style of play that both teams adopt I couldn’t think of anything further from this. Having seen Derby this season I expect more chances and more attacking play than any of the games played previously. All of the players, from both sides, will be up for this game more than any other and will want to claim the Brian Clough trophy at the final whistle.

An exciting encounter for the fans of both sides, the neutrals and football lovers alike. El Cloughio, as previously dubbed, is set to go off with a bang, with (hopefully) Derby putting the ball in the back of the net!!

Come on you Rams!!!

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