Nottingham Forest host their East Midlands rivals Derby County at the City Ground on Saturday, in a game which sees both clubs with new managers in Mark Warburton and Gary Rowett. 

The new Forest boss Mark Warburton will be determined to secure a win not only to get bragging rights over Derby but to claim three huge points, with his side currently sitting just two points above the relegation zone.

Former first team manager Gary Brazil had a mixed spell as manager and often struggled to find the right formula going forward to enable his side to score the goals to fire them to victory.

It remains to be seen what formation Warburton will go for, with him previously using 5-3-2 at Brentford and 4-3-3 most recently with Rangers, but he must get it right in what is arguably the Reds' biggest game in a long time for multiple reasons.

Forest have a number of options going forward and will be hopeful that a few faces can return from injury to boost the squad ahead of the visit of Derby.

Football League World writer Harry Webster takes a look at the team that Warburton must field if his side are to defeat Derby on Saturday...

 

GK: Jordan Smith

Since replacing the injured Stephen Henderson between the sticks academy graduate Jordan Smith has been excellent.

The 22-year-old commands his area well and has pulled off some big saves in recent games against Sheffield Wednesday and Brighton.

Smith looks even more comfortable as each game goes by and another big performance is needed from the custodian on Saturday.

RB: Eric Lichaj

Eric Lichaj continues to put in performances full of passion and energy every week in a red shirt.

The American did go off injured in last Saturday's loss to Burton Albion and Forest supporters will be hoping that he is fit enough to play on Saturday.

Warburton likes to get the full backs forward to join in on the attack and this will suit Lichaj well.

CB: Michael Mancienne

The former Chelsea and Hamburg man has been used in the defensive midfield role under Gary Brazil and has done well but for a game of this magnitude it could be wise to have him in the centre of defence instead of youngster Joe Worrall.

Mancienne is strong in the air, times the tackle well, possesses pace and uses the ball well and he will need a strong performance against either Matej Vydra or experienced forwards David Nugent and Darren Bent.

CB: Danny Fox

Danny Fox has faced plenty of criticism in recent seasons as a Forest player but since moving into the centre of defence the former Southampton man has been exceptional.

A left footed player on the left side of defence has worked well and allows the Reds to play from the back.

Fox is strong in the air, passionate and exactly the sort of gritty player you want in a local derby.

LB: Armand Traore 

Competition for the left back slot between Armand Traore and Dani Pinillos is high but after a solid performance at Burton last week Traore could just get the nod.

Traore is the sort of left back that suits Warburton's style of play well with the former QPR man good at getting forward with his pace and skill

Traore will need a big performance against Tom Ince but he dealt with Anthony Knockaert well against Brighton a couple of weeks ago so will be confident.

CM: Matty Cash 

Forest must win the midfield battle on Saturday and they dealt with Brighton's a couple of weeks ago with Cash and Cohen in the middle who complimented each other well.

Cash has plenty to learn but is committed, creative and passionate which is exactly what the Reds need on Saturday.

A big performance from the academy graduate could cement his place in the side.

CM: Chris Cohen

When it comes to injures Chris Cohen is one of the unluckiest footballers in the game and without him the Reds just don't look the same.

Experienced midfielder David Vaughan has done well in the middle but Cohen's passion, energy and work rate in the middle is commendable and he should start on Saturday.

The Reds need a character who can get them going and lead them to victory and Cohen is certainly that man.

RM: Hildeberto Pereira 

The Portuguese youngster can be a bit hit or mess but his flair, skill and pace can terrorise opposition defences and he is a player who needs to perform on Saturday.

The 21-year-old is passionate and excites fans with his weaving runs forward and there is no better time for him to make an impact than Saturday.

Service for either Assombalonga, Brereton or McCormack has been poor in recent weeks and he needs to improve in the final third to create chances for his side.

CAM: Zach Clough

The January signing already has three goals for the Reds and when played in his favoured position behind the striker he looks a real menace.

New manager Mark Warburton will be rubbing his hands together with the potential of Clough but he must be played in the central position and not out wide.

Clough is the sort of player Warburton can build a team around but he has to be played in the right position to be effective.

LM: Ben Osborn

Osborn will forever live in the hearts of Nottingham Forest fans for that goal against Derby two seasons ago but since then he has matured into a key player for the Reds.

All three of Pereira, Clough and Osborn have played in the central position behind the striker this season and have been effective so it would not be surprising to see them roam from their positions on Saturday afternoon.

The 22-year-old's work rate and ability on the ball is superb and he could cause Derby problems.

ST: Britt Assombalonga

The former Peterborough United forward has been criticised for being lazy and uninterested in recent games and Saturday represents the perfect occasion to silence those critics.

Assombalonga has a history of scoring against Derby and Forest supporters will be hoping he can deliver the goods once again and fire them to three massive points.

The Republic of the Congo international needs service to be effective and with Clough behind him and Pereira and Osborn on the flanks he will have chances that he will need to take.

Nottingham Forest fans... Would you start this team on Saturday? Is there anyone there who does not deserve a start? What do you expect from Warburton? Let us know what you think in the comments below!