HITC Sport takes a look at what a combined Derby County and Nottingham Forest starting XI might look like. Which club will have more players included?
Eric Lichaj of Nottingham Forest (R) and Darren Bent of Derby County in action
Sharing in one of the most bitter and hotly-contested rivalries in English football, Derby County and Nottingham Forest are two clubs that share a history of success, and players. It’s been unusual to see players swap red shirt for white, and vice versa, with names such as Robert Earnshaw, Kris Commons and Nathan Tyson the few that spring to mind.
But what would a combined XI, of current Derby County and Nottingham Forest players, look like? Which side would see more players included? HITC Sport has put together our combined XI in a 4-4-2 formation, but do you agree with our picks? Let us know your thoughts/choices in the comments section below.
1. Goalkeeper – Scott Carson (Derby County)
Derby County’s Scott Carson
Not a difficult choice to start off with. Derby County’s Scott Carson has been in sensational form this season, and along with Tom Ince, the keeper is in contention for the Player of the Year award come the end of the season. Nottingham Forest have struggled between the sticks at times this season, though often this has been down to injuries. Young Jordan Smith does look like a prospect though.
2. Right-back – Cyrus Christie (Derby County)
The former Coventry man has enjoyed good spells this season for Derby County, and as a Republic of Ireland international, his quality puts him ahead of the many players who have had to fill in at right-back for Nottingham Forest this season. Joe Worrall, who has recently been playing there for Forest, has certainly got a bright future ahead of him though, and Forest fans will be excited to see him develop under Mark Warburton.
3. Centre-backs – Richard Keogh (Derby County) & Michael Mancienne (Nottingham Forest)
Michael Mancienne – Nottingham Forest
Derby County Captain Richard Keogh has been a consistent performer yet again for the Rams this season, however he has at times struggled for a consistent partner. Rams defender Jason Shackell, who many would argue is the sides best defender, has been injured for much of the season, whereas Alex Pearce’s form has dipped since the turn of the year. Nottingham Forest on the other hand have at times struggled at the back. Defender Jack Hobbs has struggled with injuries, and at times the club have had to field left-backs in the centre. However, former Chelsea man Michael Mancienne has continued to perform consistently for the Reds.
4. Left-back – Daniel Pinillos (Nottingham Forest)
The defender shot himself into Nottingham Forest fans hearts recently with his last minute bullet-header to equalise against the Rams, and has looked excellent down the left-hand side for Forest this season. Solid at the back and great at getting forward, the Spaniard is one of Forest’s better defenders. Derby County have at times missed regular left-back Craig Forsyth this season, but young Max Lowe has looked good when filling in, though he has a way to go.
5. Right-wing – Tom Ince (Derby County)
Tom Ince celebrates
The right-winger has arguably been Derby County’s best player this season, scoring 12 goals for the Rams this season and making five assists. Nottingham Forest’s talented youngster Ben Brereton has played wide-right for the Reds this season, as has former Ram Jamie Ward, but none come close to the performances of Tom Ince.
6. Centre-mids – Will Hughes & Bradley Johnson (Derby County)
Former Nottingham Forest Captain Henri Lansbury would have likely made it into this team, had he not departed the club for Aston Villa this January. Without Lansbury, Forest look weak in the centre of the park at the moment, and will be keen to see Chris Cohen get back to full fitness, as he is a player who can really effect the game for them. England U21 international Will Hughes hasn’t had the best of seasons, but by his standards is still one of the best midfielders in the Championship. Derby’s Bradley Johnson has also come on leaps and bounds this season (under three different managers) and was arguably the Rams’ man of the match against Nottingham Forest recently.
7. Left-wing – Ben Osborn (Nottingham Forest)
Nottingham Forest’s Ben Osborn celebrates
The left-midfielder has arguably been Nottingham Forest’s best player this season, and has produced many of the big highlight moments for the Reds, including a spectacular free-kick goal, volleyed home with ease. Born in Derby, Ben Osborn will be difficult to keep hold of in the summer. Derby County’s weakest area this season has been the left-hand side, with players such as Johnny Russell and Abdoul Camara all struggling for consistency.
8. Strikers – Britt Assombalonga (Nottingham Forest) & Darren Bent (Derby County)
Nottingham Forest striker Britt Assombalonga has not had his best season this year, scoring just nine goals in 18 appearances. However, this has mostly been down to struggling with injuries, and we all know just how quality Assombalonga can be, and how deadly he is in front of goal. Derby County on the other hand have struggled this season when it comes to strikers. The club allowed top scorer Chris Martin leave in the summer, on loan to Fulham, after appearing to not be in former manager Nigel Pearson’s plans. Veteran forward Darren Bent has stepped up to the plate however, scoring 12 goals for the Rams.
TOTAL PLAYERS: DERBY COUNTY (7) – NOTTINGHAM FOREST (4)
Nottingham Forest’s Britt Assombalonga
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