Derby host Nottingham Forest in the East Midlands derby, but which manager is under more pressure – Gary Rowett or Mark Warburton?
Pajtim Kasami of Nottingham Forest and Marcus Olsson of Derby County fight for the ball.
Arguably the biggest clash of the Championship weekend as it returns following the international break is the East Midlands derby between Derby County and Nottingham Forest.
Both sides have had inconsistent starts to the new season and after 11 games both sit in the bottom half of the table, leading to Forest manager Mark Warburton discussing the pressure on himself and opposite number at Derby, Gary Rowett.
Mark Warburton, manager of Nottingham Forest, looks on during the Sky Bet Championship match against and Leeds United.
“I read that Gary Rowett is under pressure, that so and so is under pressure and I am under pressure. It is just the nature of the beast we are involved in,” Warburton told the Nottingham Post before the international break.
In truth neither side has shown so far in 2017/18 the level of consistency required to enjoy what would be considered a successful campaign.
The Reds have won five and lost six of their 11 outings so far; although with only one goal in it generally suggesting they are closer to getting it right than perhaps their league position shows.
Gary Rowett Manager of Derby County looks on prior to the Sky Bet Championship match against Brentford.
For the Rams they have won three, lost three and drawn four, but the ability to beat Hull City 5-0 one week and then lose 4-1 at Bristol City the very next Saturday highlights how their form fluctuates.
It is for this reason that Rowett appears further away from finding the winning formula. The squad had lots of upheaval over the summer and it will take time to get it right, but failing to beat the likes of struggling Birmingham City, Brentford and Sunderland this term is a slight worry.
Meanwhile, aside from Barnsley, Forest’s defeats have come against five of the strongest sides in the division and the results perhaps take away somewhat from the performances.
However, either way while neither Warburton or Rowett would probably admit it publicly, there is much more riding on this derby than bragging rights as a defeat for either could see serious questions being asked
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