Derby County return from the international break to a massive East Midlands Derby against Nottingham Forest, with Gary Rowett’s men desperate to pick up maximum points to get their top six ambitions back on track.

Derby have experienced an indifferent start to the season, earning just thirteen points from their opening ten fixtures, but a win at home to the Reds could provide the Rams squad with a confidence boost ahead of what is set to be a gruelling run of fixtures.

Forest won their final fixture before the international break at home to Sheffield United, whereas Derby picked up a battling draw at leaders Cardiff City.

The Rams have drawn three on the bounce, and Rowett will know that his side need to start transforming single points into three if he is to guide the Pride Park side to the Premier League this term.

It will be a tough encounter for Derby, and this is the XI Rowett should deploy if he wishes to take the spoils against Mark Warburton's men on Sunday…

Scott Carson will maintain his place in goal following a clean sheet at the Bluebirds, and it is likely the former England shot-stopper will see a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him.

Andre Wisdom and Craig Forsyth will fill the full-back berths once more, with Curtis Davies and Richard Keogh also likely to keep their places in the starting line-up at the heart of the defence.

The holding pair will once again see new signing Joe Ledley partnered by Tom Huddlestone, who will take part in his first East Midlands Derby for twelve years having left the Rams for Tottenham as an 18-year-old.

Bradley Johnson could operate in a free role in front of the duo, with Tom Lawrence on the left, and £4.5 million rated Czech international Matej Vydra coming in for Johnny Russell.

Scottish international Russell Martin should replace Sam Winnall upfront, with the player a more physical presence than the Sheffield Wednesday loanee - something that will worry the Forest central pairing of Joe Worrall and Matt Mills.

It will be an entertaining encounter at Pride Park on Sunday, with both sides keen to take the spoils and the bragging rights, and this Derby XI is best suited to secure the points in this must win clash.

Derby fans, what changes would you make to this XI? Have your say below...