Derby County and Nottingham Forest compete for Brian Clough Trophy in the East Midlands duel

Matches between these two teams are often called the East Midlands Derby or sometimes the A52 derby. The A52 is a major English road that connects the two cities Derby and Nottingham. Since 2007, whenever these two teams meet the winner has been awarded the Brian Clough Trophy, named after the famous manager who was successful at both clubs.

It’s busy days for these teams as both were in action only a few days ago. There’s no rest for the wicked, or in this case; no rest for County and Nottingham Forest.

Derby County form and stats

Derby County have less points than they have played home games in the Championship so far. Their two previous attempts here have produced 2 points. Their last two home games have resulted in two points, meaning they were both draws.

Nothing to worry about in defence for County, as their goalkeeper Kelle Roos has completely shut out the opponents for 180 minutes in the Championship.

The fans are hoping that County will strike back in this match, putting things right after the 1-2 away loss in the Carabao Cup game against Sheffield United (placed 23rd). Louie Sibley (midfield was the top team player in that game with a rating of 8.34/10. Sibley scored one goal, hit two key passes and dribled passed the opponent 2 of 2 times.

The spoils were shared after 90 minutes before that, a Championship home game that ended 0-0 versus Middlesbrough.

This is expected to be a close game, with Derby County perhaps considered small favourites due to their home advantage. Looking back at earlier matches similar to this one (expected to be close with County as a small favourite), we find 16 games. Derby County has won four of these, drawn six and lost six.

At Pride Park Stadium, Derby County has the goal stats of 1-1 (for/against) from 2 league fixtures.

Nottingham Forest form and stats

It's not happening yet for Nottingham Forest on their Championship travels, with zero points from their first 2 away games. Maybe today will be different? It's looking increasingly bleak for Nottingham who now has to deal with a four game losing streak. Coventry City was the last time a defeat was avoided.

Nottingham Forest's previous game was their home loss versus Wolverhampton Wanderers (0-4). Ethan Horvath was the team player of the game with the player rating of 7.64. The agile goalkeeper Horvath stopped the opponent with nine saves. As you can see from the result above, the defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers was particularly ugly (0-4). The humiliation is still top of mind. It's a bit worrying for Nottingham Forest that their goalkeeper Ethan Horvath made nine saves in the Wolverhampton Wanderers game last time out, but still couldn't prevent the loss.

A 0-1 defeat away at Stoke City before that.

So, this is expected to be a close game, an even contest. Looking at earlier matches with Nottingham Forest playing away and similar expectations, we found 25 relevant matches. Results were six Nottingham wins, eleven draws and eight defeats.

1 goal so far away for Nottingham Forest, while their defence has allowed the opposition to score 3. All from 2 league matches away.

Head 2 Head

Head to head numbers (for the former ten meetings): County won one game, six matches ended with a tie and Nottingham Forest got three wins. Over 2,5 goals / under 2,5 goals: two / eight

Top Goalscorers

J. Stretton 1 goals

C. Davies 1 goals

S. Baldock 1 goals

Derby County missing players

Nottingham Forest missing players