This season has seen East Midland rivals Derby County and Nottingham Forest compete as evenly as they have done for a very long time.

Both the Reds and the Rams will remain hopeful of breaking into the play-offs although both seasons ultimately look set to end in disappointment.

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Derby have spent the majority of the campaign inside the top-six during Frank Lampard’s debut season in football management, but with the likes of Aston Villa, Preston North End and Bristol City stringing together impressive runs, their grip on the top-six has slipped.

Forest were one of the pre-season tips to win automatic promotion after Aitor Karanka had overseen the arrival of over 20 new faces as the club splashed the cash.

But sat in mid-table, the Spaniard was sacked and replaced by Martin O’Neill who has overseen a slight upturn in form but it does not look like enough to get them into the top-six.

However, it is a season that has seen some truly exciting talent emerge at the City Ground, possibly making their rivals jealous.

Here, then, are TWO Forest player’s who would walk into the Rams’ side.

Joe Lolley

The winger has been tremendous all season, proving a constant threat on whichever wing he is picked to play.

His goals kept the Reds in touch with the top-six for a while and Harry Wilson aside, Derby struggle for consistency in their wide areas.

Lolley would surely therefore go straight into their starting XI.

Ryan Yates

Derby have plenty of options in midfield but they are all very similar players.

Huddlestone, King, Evans, Bryson and Johnson are all one and the same, four of whom are already over 30.

Whilst experience can be important, surely Yates’ energy and youth would make him a starter in Lampard’s side.