Derby County have gotten the better of Nottingham Forest in recent years.
According to Sky Bet’s ‘Request a bet’ service, the odds of Nottingham Forest to finish above east Midlands rivals Derby County this season is currently set at evens.
The Rams have the better record of the two clubs in recent years, finishing above their fierce rivals for the past five seasons in succession with the 2012/13 campaign being the last when Forest claimed more points.
Moreover, the two clubs play for the annual Brian Clough trophy, an award given to the winner or reigning holder (in case of a draw) in honour of the greatest manager to have taken charge of both clubs. Derby are the current holders having gone five games undefeated against Forest.
But could this season finally swing back in Forest’s favour?
The Rams have finished in the playoffs in three of the past five seasons, but Gary Rowett’s departure to Stoke City in the summer and the subsequent arrival of Frank Lampard as his successor suggests a different more long-term approach for Derby.
While they won’t want to write off a promotion challenge so early in the campaign, this does have the feel of a transitional period for Derby as they look to adopt a long-term vision under Lampard with new signings designed to lower the average age of the playing squad and a clear change in playing style.
So far, Derby lie in 8th spot in the Championship having won just one of their last six league games.
Forest, on the other hand, spent over £25 million in the summer on several new players, including a reported club record £13.2 million on Portugal U21 international Joao Carvalho who arrived from Benfica (BBC).
The Reds, under the guidance of Aitor Karanka, are clearly targeting promotion as early as this season and their recent 2-0 win at Middlesbrough and current position inside the top six illustrates their potential.
Karanka already has a Championship promotion on his CV with Boro and fellow signings Jack Colback, Claudio Yacob, Lewis Grabban and Michael Dawson have the necessary experience to deal with a promotion fight.
On reflection, while Derby’s squad is talented and capable of playing some sparkling football, Forest seem the more likely to mount a promotion charge and few Rams fans could begrudge them from having their crack following several years of struggle.
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