Nottm Forest v Derby

Last updated : 28 December 2010 By BBC Sport

Derby captain Robbie Savage is suspended, so James Bailey could be restored to the Rams starting line-up.

Dean Leacock hopes to be fit after a groin injury forced him off against Reading, but Gareth Roberts (calf) and Russell Anderson (hamstring) are out.

MATCH PREVIEW

Excitement is almost guaranteed when these arch rivals meet. It is 104 years since they last played out a goalless draw at the City Ground, where Nottingham Forest are formidable and Derby have won only once in the last 33 years.

The Rams have lost their last four Championship matches and are enduring something of a slump. But manager Nigel Clough has a decent record against Forest, the club where he made his name as a player.

Clough, who made 412 appearances and scored 131 goals for the Reds, has masterminded three victories in Derby's five matches against their East Midlands foes since he became boss at Pride Park.

His counterpart, Billy Davies, led Derby into the top flight during an eventful 17-month spell as County manager. Davies' Forest side have won two of their last three matches and are defending the Championship's only unbeaten home record.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• The 3-2 victory in last season's corresponding fixture is Nottingham Forest's only win in eight league meetings with Derby.

Have your say on this match

• Forest have won 34 and Derby 31 of the 86 previous matches between these clubs.

Nottingham Forest

• Forest have won five and drawn five of their home matches this season.

• They have not lost in 29 home matches since Blackpool won at the City Ground in September 2009.

• A win would see them end a calendar year with a victory for the third time running.

• Rob Earnshaw and goalkeeper Lee Camp are in line to face their former club.

Derby

• Derby have lost their last three away matches.

• They have not ended a year on a winning note since 2006.

• Kris Commons is set to play against his former club...

Source: BBC Sport

Source: BBC Sport