Nottingham Forest favourite Garry Birtles believes that the Reds will have to cope with additional pressure when they face bitter rivals Derby this weekend.

Sabri Lamouchi's men go into the game as favourites, as they are in the play-off places whilst the Rams have been awful on the road this season.

And, speaking to Nottinghamshire Live, Birtles revealed that there is always extra pressure on the home side in these games and explained that Forest need make the passionate crowd an advantage rather than a hindrance.

"The Rams have got nothing to lose coming here, they’ll know the pressure is on the home team as it always is in these games, so you can expect a thrilling open game.

"I have no doubt that the atmosphere will be electric as it always is on these occasions, but it’s important that the Forest players use that to their advantage, to inspire them on and keep the fans on their side."

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Forest will take encouragement from the fact they have already beaten Phillip Cocu's side this season, emerging 3-0 winners when the sides met in the League Cup back in August.

The verdict

You can understand what Birtles is saying here. The home crowd will rightly demand that Forest play on the front foot and they will expect a win.

Whereas, Derby can sit back, counter and look to frustrate and there's no doubt part of their approach will be to make the City Ground restless.

Having said that, having that support is going to help Forest on the whole but the team need to use that on Saturday in what should be a thrilling atmosphere.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.