East Midlands bragging rights will be on the line again tomorrow when Nottingham Forest travel to rivals Derby County knowing a win could seriously dent their host’s play-off credentials.
The Rams currently sit fifth in the Championship table but will be peering over their shoulders after a turbulent time on and off the pitch.
Derby sacked manager Paul Clement back in February after a poor run of results and it has taken replacement and former Forest player Darren Wassall a while to get the side going again.
They’ve now won three of their last six although they surrendered a three-goal lead last time out against Rotherham and only ended up coming away with a point against the Millers.
Forest have also suffered a management casualty recently with Dougie Freedman relieved of his duties only last Sunday. Former first team coach Paul Williams was appointed his temporary successor and will be buoyed by a good performance last time out at Hull.
Andy Reid, appointed to assist Williams, said: “We’ll be preparing the players for a front foot performance. We want to go, we want to close them down and we want to win the ball high up the pitch.
“I think if the fans see that and they see the commitment and they see the effort then they’ll get behind us. We want the fans behind us but at the same time we have to give them something to cheer about.”
East Midlands derbies are traditionally very feisty affairs, here are three of the best over the last few years;
Derby County 1-1 Nottingham Forest (2008)
Colin Calderwood’s Reds took on Derby at Pride Park in a game which kicked into life right at the death.
Forest goalkeeper Lee Camp saved a penalty from Rams midfielder Nacer Barazite after Miles Addison had had a goal disallowed.
The ten-man Reds, who had Lewis McGugan sent off hung on for a point after seeing Emmanuel Villa score at both ends.
The Argentine striker atoned for an earlier own goal by levelling things on the day.
Nottingham Forest 3-2 Derby County (2009)
This early season clash of the rivals was full of goals and controversy. The Reds raced into a three goal half time lead before succumbing to a second half Derby fightback.
Forest managed to hold on but the game was overshadowed by the antics after the match.
Nathan Tyson grabbed the corner flag and waved it in front of the Derby fans at the City Ground.
Rams skipper Robbie Savage approached him and a brawl commenced on the pitch.
Image: Ben Osborn celebrates with Robert Tesche after scoring a last minute winner
Derby County 1-2 Nottingham Forest (2015)
Local lad Ben Osborn was the hero has he scored a last-minute winner. The Reds came from behind after Henri Lansbury put the ball into his own net in the first half. Britt Assombalonga equalised for the Reds before the late drama.
This was only Forest’s second victory ever at Derby’s stadium but one that will live long in the memory for a lot of Reds fans.
Forest boss at the time Stuart Pearce was sacked the following game (a 3-2 defeat away to Fulham) and replaced by Dougie Freedman.
Likely line-ups:
Interactive graphic: How the teams might line up on Saturday
Striker Federico Macheda made his début on Tuesday night but looked slightly off the pace having not played much this season.
Winger Oliver Burke, who has recently been called up to the full Scotland squad, is likely to come in for his first taste on East Midlands derby action after impressing off the bench against Hull.
Jamie Ward has declared himself fit to play. The Northern Ireland international is likely to lead a pacey Forest front line.
It had been suggested that Henri Lansbury may be fit for the fixture.
On the Derby front, Johnny Russell and Nick Blackman will be fighting it out for a place in the Ram’s front three while Jacob Butterfield will be pushing for a return but may find his path blocked by Bradley Johnson.
Kick-off: 12.30pm Saturday, March 19 2016
Getting there: iPro Stadium, Derby, DE24 8XL
Weather:
Travelling Reds and Rams fans should be spared from rain. It is due to be mostly cloudy with highs of 8°c with low winds.
Where to watch it:
If you couldn’t get a ticket for the game, you can watch the game live on Sky Sports 1. Coverage starts at midday.
