Derby played well against Leicester on Tuesday evening and should have been more than a goal ahead at half time. I think the performance needs to be put into perspective a little with Leicester making 8 changes to their first team and at times they seemed uninterested.

When Dyer, Nugent and finally Knockaert (regular first teamers) came on, Derby had to rely on promising breaks but when that did happen, either the ball did not fall right or Russell's shooting was wayward.

Derby travel to Notts Forest with an unbeaten away record in the league while Forest has an unbeaten record at home. Both sides have injuries with Coutts out for at least 3 — 4 months and Hendrick is still over a month away from a return, while for Forest Wilson is out.

Clough will again have a selection and formation decisions to make which will be crucial. I found Clough's response of ''excellent!'', when asked about Chris Martin's role, play and position against Leicester. Quite staggering, I thought Martin did ok and the role worked reasonably well but I was not convinced enough to play him there this Saturday lunch time. Just my view.

I expect Adam Smith to again slot into right back and due to total lack of competition for places, the other three defenders will stay the same. The same three that seem to struggle against any team or strike force in the top 8.

Yes Clough, we probably do defend better away from home, but then Brighton, Yeovil and Millwall do not quite have the pace, skill and power as the teams we have played at home this season.

Jamie Ward surely has to start as he thrives on games of this magnitude. A midfield three of Eustace, Hughes and Bryson would be my pick with Ward on the left. I have a feeling Russell and Martin will partner each other up front with Sammon dropping to the bench.

Forest will undoubtedly give a debut to Nathaniel Chalobah who has joined the club on loan from Chelsea. Last season he was part of the Watford team who pushed for promotion and despite being 18, shows great composure and has the ability to play in the midfield or defence.

This campaign Forest has assembled a team of quality players, having spent money and despite a few hiccups away have been solid at home. On the other hand, we have beaten them a few times in recent years and their midfield and defence can be got at.

I am really sorry but I am not hopeful for this Saturday. I just do not think our defence is consistent enough against decent opposition, over 90 minutes. Therefore it always seems likely that we will let ourselves down and concede at least one goal.

The thought of losing this game always makes me feel sick. However, this is football; it's a local derby and normally tight affairs, so you never know!

COYR!!

Recent Form — Last 5 League Matches

Forest (6th): D, L, W, D, D

Rams (12th): W, L, W, L, D

Match Facts :

Over 121 years Forest has a slight edge over the Rams with 36 wins to 34. There have been a total of 92 meetings between the two with the goals for column all square on 141 for both.

In the last 6 matches played between the clubs a player has been sent of in 5 of them with the 1-1 draw at Pride Park in January the one to break the cycle. It was a tame affair by this fixtures standards but the return of Wee Billy as the Forest number one may spice things up, even if just on the sidelines.

Derby has won three of the last four meetings while Forest has not beaten the Rams at home since December of 2010.

Nigel Clough gets a very disrespectful response from much of the Forest crowd, considering what his father achieved and he himself made over 400 appearances, netting 130 times for them. All the more reason to want to beat them — ungrateful rabble!

Lee Grant will make his 350th league appearance in what will be his biggest match since returning to DCFC.

Classic Clash Video: Forest 1 v 2 Derby - 17^th September 2011:

One of the greatest away victories in Derby’s history!

Photo: Action Images

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