Nottingham Forest midfielder Ben Watson believes the most crucial aspect the Reds must get right against Derby County on Saturday is their ability to remain calm and composed throughout the contest.

Watson has been an influential figure at the base of the Reds midfield so far this campaign, and he has had to adjust to playing alongside a couple of midfielders during the last few weeks.

Sabri Lamouchi's side have already secured a convincing 3-0 win against Derby at the City Ground this season in the Carabao Cup, and whilst that was a match that saw both teams make changes to their line-ups, it was Forest who showed the greater ability to handle the atmosphere and produce a strong performance.

Speaking to the club's official website ahead of the game against Derby, Watson outlined what the team need to do.

"The main aim is to try and stay calm, but the nature of the game means you will be fired up. Normally, in these games, whoever keeps the calmest on the pitch comes out on top.

[freshpress-poll ]

"We are fifth in the league, they are not far behind us so it has all the ingredients to be a good game.

"We know this is a big game, for the fans it is the biggest of the season. As players and as a team, we go out there having to treat it as a normal game so that we don’t get too excited and keep our heads. Whichever side that does that normally comes out on top at the end of the 90 minutes."

The Verdict

Watson is a vastly experienced player and having played in a host of derby fixtures throughout his career, he will be fully aware of what is needed to be successful, and Nottingham Forest will be needing to draw on that experience this weekend.

The midfielder is right to suggest that the Reds must ensure they maintain their composure and calmness if they are to secure a vital three points.

Saturday's meeting between the two sides could be crucial come the end of the season, with Nottingham Forest currently sitting four points clear of their rivals and knowing a win would cement their place inside the Championship's top six, while a defeat would allow Derby to close the gap to just a single point.