Derby County go into this match sat high and pretty in 2nd place in the Sky Bet Championship after another impressive start to the season under Steve McClaren. Last time out they had a very impressive result as they came out 1-0 winners at Portman Road against what is a very good Ipswich Town side who are incredibly difficult to beat this season. This has put them level on points with leaders Bournemouth and early candidates to win promotion to the Premier League. However, Derby have had dips in form this season. One of the main ones they have suffered this season came around Christmas time as they suffered defeats to Leeds, Middlesbrough, Chelsea and drew to Norwich at home. This put in doubt Derby's promotion credentials but they have since responded very well. The last East Midlands Derby finished 1-1 at the City Ground as Leon Best cancelled out a stunning goal from Britt Assombalonga. In comparison, Forest couldn't been on a worse run of form as they have suffered four straight defeats and have gone through a terrible Christmas period which has continued into 2015. Forest have suffered defeats to Middlesbrough, Birmingham, Rochdale and Sheffield Wednesday in recent times to really raise concerns over the future of Stuart Pearce. They have won just two games in twenty matches which is a truly shocking record for any team at this level. There is no doubt that it is relegation form which Forest are suffering with at the moment. The last time they won was when they won 3-0 at Molineux against Wolverhampton Wanderers on the 22nd November.
Kieran Lee celebrates putting Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 up against Nottingham Forest last weekend.
Michael Mancienne and Matty Fryatt are very doubtful to face Derby County at the iPro this weekend after both missing out the last few games with slight knocks. Britt Assombalonga is the interesting one as Pearce says he is doubtful whereas the Official Site claimed that he should be ready to face Derby. I would be very surprised if Assombalonga wasn't involved on Saturday. Henri Lansbury is back from his suspension and is now available for selection. Another injury boost is that Kelvin Wilson has also returned from his slight injury and is now again available for selection. New loan signing Gary Gardner will be hoping to push for a place in the starting eleven after only being able to get on the bench last weekend.
My score prediction for this game is Derby County 0-1 Nottingham Forest. My main reason for this score prediction even though it may seem bizarre is because anything can happen in these local derby games. Sometimes it is the team in terrible form going into the game which come out on top. It is these sort of games which could completely turn Forest's season around for the better. If Pearce can't motivate his players and get them up for this game, he never will be able to.
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