The two teams from the dramatic play-off semi-final showdown from last season go head-to-head once again this weekend at Elland Road.

While Derby broke the shackles against Leeds to progress to Wembley, their rivals have encountered a far more impressive start to the campaign. Leeds sit atop of the tree as the empowering force supporters have come to know.

Derby, meanwhile, have struggled to start the engine. An opening day victory is the only win they have to their name in the league. Pressure to deliver results must be mounting on Phillip Cocu.

Despite the Rams being nine points adrift, they pose serious threats to cause further problems to Leeds' home form. The Yorkshire side have only won one game at home this season - a concern Derby will hope to impose even more.

Here are THREE Rams threats to look out for...

Counter-attack

A significant issue Bielsa faces is how to thwart the puncturing talent the Rams possess on the counter-attack. The attacking talent of Martyn Waghorn, Jack Marriott and Florian Jozefzoon command pace, skill, vision and clinical finishing. It has the potential to be a lethal trio, especially against a team which demands to have the majority of possession.

It will not be surprising if Cocu opts to take the model that other teams have used to halt Leeds at home. Nottingham Forest escaped with a draw by defending resiliently, to then escape the pressure on the counter. Swansea showed a similar game-plan. The Swans had two shots-on-target and 38% of possession, but managed to end the game victorious.

This system has hurt Bielsa's side, and it could be the formula Cocu needs to enforce greater home form woes on Leeds.

Jack Marriott 

Leeds know all about Marriott's threat. He was the man to score a brace in that thrilling 4-3 aggregate win in the play-offs last season, with his pace terrifying Bielsa's defence.

It isn't clear if he will start this weekend, but if he does, Leeds will see him as a threat.

It's hard to know whether to get tight to Marriott or stand off him, but if he gets in-front of goal, there's every chance he will punish Leeds.

One to watch.

Martyn Waghorn

The 29-year-old striker has had a positive start to the season, despite his team falling short. His brace against Stoke City saved the Rams from defeat, while his early goal versus West Brom solidified a draw against promotion-contending opposition.

Outside of Waghorn's goalscoring, his movement without the ball is significant to how Derby operates defensively and offensively. In addition, his commitment and energy levels gives Cocu a striker who is willing to do the little things to help the team.  Not to mention the flexibility he gives to his manger so Marriott can lead the line, while the striker plays on the right-wing.

If Derby are able to achieve a positive result in Yorkshire, there is no doubt Waghorn will be at the heart of it.