G.M's Match Preview: Rams Must Ward Off Jamie & Keep Emotions In Check
Friday, 6th Nov 2015 07:15 by George Martin

Derby travel to the City Ground tonight to once again play in front the Sky Sports cameras, in what will be their third game in 6 days.

On Tuesday, Derby ground out a hard fought victory with a fine goal from Weimann and edged a tight game that they deserved to win. On the same night, Florist were losing away to Preston as they struggle for goals, form and wins.

Forsyth is out for the rest if the season after he fell awkwardly riding a tackle and tore his ACL. Warnock will be fit to deputise at left back despite leaving the field after receiving a knock to the head. Christie is in fine form and should continue at right back.

The middle three is likely so see a return for Thorne, with Johnson pushing forward and Butterfield edging ahead of Hendrick to start.

Tom Ince is fit to join the squad, but will probably have to settle for a place on the bench due to the fine form of Weimann and the hard working Russell.

That potentially leaves a bench of Bryson, Hendrick, Ince, Grant, Bent and Baird, with the final place going to either Pearce, Shotton or Hanson.

The Reds welcome back Landsbury and Vaughan to the starting eleven and midfield, but fellow midfielders Tesche and Mancienne are likely to miss out with foot and knee injuries respectively.

Forest are not in great form, have generally struggled to score and hover worryingly above the relegation zone.

They are creating chances but not taking them and Derby will hope to capitalise on this. However, it is likely to be a tight affair with Notts Forest generally only losing by the odd goal.

They have not won at home since the opening day of the season, having lost three and drawn three while Derby are unbeaten away in the league this season.

Notts Forest have attacking flair in Mendes, Oliveira and ex - Ram Jamie Ward, who will surely start. Walker and Blackstock will initially warm the bench, but will look to make an impact in the second half.

Prediction:

The East Midlands derby is usually a tight affair and the quality of football gradually diminishes as the game goes on, often through fear of making a mistake.

Derby must not be the ones to make that mistake, do their best to produce quality when they can and keep their emotions in check, especially as their former team mate in Jamie Ward will try to wind them up, just ignore or laugh him off.

There is often a red card in this fixture, usually in the second half, so let's hope if one is shown, it is not to a Ram.

This is a difficult game to call. My head is going to go with a 1-1 draw, but if Derby do not concede, my heart is suggesting a 1-0 Rams win with Martin to score in front of the two thousand adoring Rams fans going wild in the aisles.

What a shame more cannot attend when there will be ample red dog seats NOT SOLD to those loyal home fans.

Whether you're in watching in Ashbourne, Allestree or Alvaston, Buxton, Borrowash or Bakewell, Chaddesden, Osmaston or Spondon; enjoy the game and get behind The Rams!