This week's rearranged fixture between Cardiff City and Derby County really is 'do or die' for the Rams as they hunt the final play-off spot in the Championship.

They've been poor in recent weeks, struggling to win matches and finding themselves tumbling out of the top six for the first time in 2018. They were one-time automatic promotion contenders, they're now on the fringes of the play off race.

Their league position looks better than it is courtesy of a game in hand, although that comes this week against Neil Warnock's Cardiff City, a side who have lost just two of their last fifteen matches.

Rams boss Gary Rowett has issued a message of defiance to his Derby players, looking to instil the belief that they can get on the right side of the result and edge themselves towards a play off spot.

“It’s about how you play your own game when you’re under pressure, and that’s what everybody is facing, whether that’s Cardiff or us," he told dcfc.co.uk. "It’s important that we produce a very good performance and appreciate the magnitude of the game. If the atmosphere is anything like Saturday, it’s going to be a great game. We have a great opportunity and we have to seize the opportunity and perform."

Prior to their slump Derby went on a solid run where they lost just twice in 20 games and Rowett believes the key to success is in replicating that run.

“When we went on a fantastic run, we didn’t make any mistakes and we put in some really polished performances, especially defensively, and we have to get back to doing that.”

The Verdict

It is going to be a big ask for Rowett's men to finish inside the top six. The play-off charge won't be won or lost in the next three games, it is the last six or seven that have cost the Rams.

It's another season it the Championship I'm afraid.