In the space of a few weeks, the Brian Clough derby has been completely transformed into a vital Championship clash.
Just over a month ago people would have looked at the game between rivals Derby County and Nottingham Forest and scoffed at the thought of it. Both teams were in trouble towards the bottom of the table, and the interest levels just were not that high given their poor positions.
But now that has all changed. Both Derby and Forest have experienced a momentous upturn in form, with the rivals now looking up towards the top six as a very realistic goal for the rest of the season.
Derby manager Steve McClaren
Year in and year out there is always some form of drama in this fixture, and it is probably one of the more underrated rivalries in English football. With so much history behind the game you cannot help but get drawn in by the hatred between the East Midlands teams, and now that their fortunes have changed the end product at the weekend should be thoroughly entertaining.
After defeating Newcastle last week, Forest will feel like they can do anything meanwhile the Rams are enjoying a complete revival under the returning Steve McClaren. As is so rarely the case with derby games, this one has gone from a potential snooze fest to must see.
Nottingham Forest manager Philippe Montanier
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