Wayne Rooney out to win bragging rights in momentous East Midlands derby fixture

Nottingham Forest entertain Derby County this Saturday in what promises to be one of the most important battles between the two clubs in their historic rivalry.

As Derby scrap to recover from the fallout of the Mel Morris era, Wayne Rooney has injected some of his Croxeth fighting spirit into the East Midlands club, which now sees them as one of the teams to beat in the Championship on recent form.

Earning impressive wins against Bournemouth and West Bromwich Albion, Rooney’s Rams will not be phased by visiting the City Ground. Instead, they will be using the opportunity to further galvanise the club on the pitch.

Undeterred by their 21 points deduction, last weekend’s impressive 2-0 victory over Sheffield United saw them rise from the foot of the table.

Two goals from Tom Lawrence handed them another psychological boost as they attempt to defy the odds and retain their status in the second tier of English football.

Whilst the week has been dominated by statements from Middlesbrough, the EFL and Wycombe Wanderers, Derby’s future remains in doubt with the significant worry that funds to keep the club running are set to run out on February 1st.

Speaking to Rams TV, defender Richard Stearman, who is enjoying a new lease of life at the club, is well aware of the circumventing problems at Pride Park. However, he remains proud that the players and fans are fighting for survival when many wrote their chances off months ago.

“Throughout the duration of the season so far, we have had to come over a lot of obstacles to get to where we are.

“It seems there has been one every day at the moment and the way that the team and the dressing room is fighting against it, the way the club is and the community is all pulling together, certainly helps us on the pitch and it’s something I’m proud to be part of.”

Rooney is getting the best out of his squad, both young and old, with academy graduate Festy Ebosele blossoming each game he plays. With other homegrown talents such as Max Bird and Jason Knight becoming first-team regulars in recent seasons, there will be no lack of pride as Derby attempt to get one over their closest rivals.

“If Derby go out of business Forest fans will no longer have a team to really hate – desperate times for both parties really.

“As a football fan you always think can your team really go to the wall? Surely not. This last week ,as a rams fan, you realise that you could actually lose your team! Score prediction: Forest 1 Rams 2.”  – Shaun Spurling – Derby County fan

Nottingham Forest are also on a good run of form themselves which has seen them bounce back from a disappointing festive period. Last weekend, they grabbed an injury-time winner away at Millwall, following up on a famous FA Cup Third Round win over Arsenal.

This will be Steve Cooper’s first taste of the East Midlands derby and it is a fixture that the Nottingham Forest manager is relishing to be a part of.

“I’ve not experienced it yet, but I’m sensing there’s going to be a lot of motivation in the ground and a lot of pride. I’m really looking forward to it.

“But I look forward to all the games, especially the home games. I love the events that they are and how the community comes together.

“There’s a real sense of belonging and pride. This will be the best example of that, I’m sure.

“We’ve just got to concentrate on the job in hand. The game can’t come soon enough. We just want to be ready to go, and I’m pretty sure we will be.”

Lewis Grabban returning to the goal trail has been a massive boost for the Reds, but having had the forward line strengthened by the arrival of Aston Villa loanee Keinan Davis, Forest are looking potent upfront with ammunition supplied by starlet Brennan Johnson.

With Johnson, Joe Worrall and Ryan Yates coming through Forest’s academy, they will know all too well about what the fixture means to the city as they attempt to retain The Brian Clough Trophy once more.

“It’s vital that Forest don’t get distracted by Derby’s off-field problems and think this will not be an easy ride. I think there will be a lot going on inside the stadium between the sets of fans but Forest must remain focused on bringing home another big 3 points.” – Chris Slack – Nottingham Forest fan

Forest could hand a debut to Canadian wing-back Richie Laryea who has recently signed from Toronto in the MLS and are also waiting on the fitness of ex-Derby left-back Max Lowe, who was in exceptional form before his injury in November.

With bragging rights at an extreme level that has not been for many a season, this promises to have a feel of a cup tie. With a guaranteed intense atmosphere on the banks of the Trent, both sides will be gunning for a famous victory.

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