Nottingham Forest vs Derby County - Preview

[Jake Bannister]

The East Midlands derby, the biggest game for both teams and this time the stakes couldn't be higher. Last season both games was with both teams at a handicap, Derby made a poor start to the season with Nigel Clough and the 1-0 defeat last September rid him of his job, the game was end to end but with Forest just edging it. It was a completely different story in March as an injury ridden Forest lost 5-0, this time putting Billy Davies out of his job.

This season both teams have had a good start, new Forest manager Stuart Pearce leaves his team top of the league with 4 wins out of 5, also unbeaten in the cup. Derby have had a rocky start with with 2 wins, 2 draws and a loss, Derby are also unbeaten in the cup after beating Charlton who they lost to in the league the week before.

Right now both teams are as strong as ever, Forest have a fully fit squad but Derby recently picked up an injury to Hendrick, and with Thorne out for the whole season their midfield could be weakened, Although last seasons goalscorer for Forest Jack Hobbs missed their last game with a slight knock he should be back for the game.

In terms of formation Derby will probably line up with their usual 4-3-3, but last week Forest experimented with a 4-3-2-1, they could revert back to the 4-2-2-2 but that seems unlikely now with Henri Lansbury back.

For my personal prediction, it could go either way, but just because of our good start to the season I think Forest will take it, only just.

Check out the poll and vote what you think the match will end up

 

[Matt]

Will be a good game but obviously Derby are going to win again

 

[Jake Bannister]

Will be a good game but obviously Derby are going to win again

Jack Hobbs to score again

 

[Marsha]

Hendrick will play. He likes to score against Forest. Then again Bryson could get another hat trick

 

[Matt]

Hendrick could play but, they said he will play before the end of the month if anything I think he will be subbed on

 

[Jake Bannister]

Eustace in midfield though, definitely weakened

Just wondering are any of you lot going?

 

[Marsha]

Eustace has played well in his last couple of games. I wouldn't say the midfield was weakened because he's playing.

I'm not going. I couldn't get a ticket!

 

[Matt]

Eustace in midfield though, definitely weakened

Just wondering are any of you lot going?

I went last year, can't go this year because I am busy, if it was Saturday I would have.

Also Eustace is a decent player, an older George Thorne. Better than Will Hughes in that position I think.

 

[Saddlerrad]

I reckon this has the potential to be quite a game. Can see goals at either end, with either side stealing it by the odd goal.

 

[Marsha]

I don't think it will be a high scoring game, like the last time the two sides met. The odd goal will win it. It's a local derby and a massive rivalry so anything could happen. I think Derby will win.

 

[Marsha]

Sunday sees the biggest local derby in football. It’s the East Midlands clash between Nottingham Forest and Derby County.

Rivalries will be set aside on 10 minutes as both sets of fans will be joining together to remember the iconic Brian Clough who led both sides to success. Clough died 10 years ago and is still affectionately remembered by both sets of fans.

This match last season ended in a 1-0 win for Forest and marked the end of Nigel Clough as the manager of Derby County. It also kick started Derby’s season as they went on to finish 3rd.

Forest are currently sitting top of the table and are, as yet, undefeated. Stuart Pearce, by all accounts, has made some decent signings and have shown they can score goals. Derby have made a decent start but have yet to fire on all cylinders despite their recent 5-1 hammering of Fulham. Derby, however, have potential for goals all over the pitch and are capable of playing some excellent football.

Derby will be without the injured Jeff Hendrick (shoulder). However, Jamie Ward who took a knock whilst on international duty has been declared fit and ready for selection. McClaren may opt to rest Ward and play the highly rated Jordon Ibe. Will Hughes looks in line to replace Hendrick with Eustace once again playing the defensive midfield role.

On paper this match has potential to be one of the most open derbies for years and could very well be a feast of football. Forest will still be hurting as they ended up on the wrong end of a 5-0 thrashing the last time these clubs met. Derby will be wanting to kick start their season and get back to their free scoring ways.

I do, however, predict a close match with Derby winning 1-2

 

[_mostlybobbins]

I'll be very surprised if Derby win, sorry Marsha!

 

[Marsha]

Don't apologise. It's all about opinions and derby games are tough to call. I'm still going for the win though

 

[Jake Bannister]

A draw seemed fair, was an ugly game, surprised only 1 person voted for a draw.