DERBY COUNTY BLOG: Rams must find scoring boots against fierce rivals Nottingham Forest, says Andy Buckley-Taylor

This Saturday’s East Midlands derby has more at stake than local bragging rights.

It is possibly the biggest clash in decades. For the team that wins it, it will be another step towards the end of season play offs. For the losers it will be another bad result during a mini-slump.

Derby, despite being the second highest scorers in the division, have seen goals dry up recently and desperately need to score as soon as possible.

Nottingham Forest are missing several key players and that should make the Rams slight favourites. Make no mistake though, whatever side they put out, they will fight for the whole ninety minutes.

Losing Jack Hobbs and possibly Kelvin Wilson at centre half is a big blow, however the form shown by Derby-based youngster Jamal Lascelles has given them some hope. Danny Collins is experienced and should he get the nod, will know exactly what to expect in such a big game.

The man most Derby fans fear, Andy Reid, is doubtful and should he not play, we need to take advantage. He’s been one of the form players of the division this season.

Jamie Paterson is a big threat and we will need to be on top of our game to stop him.

Every single player will need to be on form come 12.15pm on Saturday.

John Eustace will be a big miss after he was handed a two-match suspension after accumulating too many yellow cards and George Thorne is expected to make his full debut in Eustace’s place. A very big fixture to be thrown into, but Thorne has shown during his spell at Watford that he’s good enough for such a match.

It’s a must win game and we need our scoring boots back for Saturday. There’s no prizes for drawing this time around!