In the context of the season, Derby's visit to the City Ground this weekend is only important for one side. Forest are marooned in the middle of the pack whilst Gary Rowett's men look to solidify their promotion hopes. 

However, some games are about far more than three points or one season, some games are titanic tussles between old foes than transcend individual seasons, players or managers. In the context of this season, Derby have the upper hand, but historically things are certainly very different.

Not only have Derby got more points than their rivals, but they also triumphed 2-0 in the first Midlands derby of the season, courtesy of Matej Vydra and David Nugent. That ensured the Brian Clough Trophy, awarded to the winner of their league encounters, spent some time at Pride Park.

Since then Forest have changed managers, changed captains and are now unbeaten in five games. They welcome Derby with fresh hope for the future and a renewed impetus that they hope will see them challenge further up the table next season.

Here at FLW we compared the two teams on a range of stats to find our own winner.

Nottingham Forest do have a richer history of winning trophies, with 11 compared to Derby's three. The fact that Brian Clough is responsible  for League Championships at both clubs and European honours with Forest is testament to why they contest a trophy bearing his name.

Pride Park is marginally bigger than the City Ground, but of course Forest fans would argue they have significantly more atmosphere. Both grounds are befitting of this stage and the next, but Pride Park was one of the first purpose-built out of town stadiums to appear. The pitch at Forest is three metres longer, meaning the Derby full backs will have more ground to cover than they do at home.

In terms of market value, we don't think there's much between the two sides at all. Forest come in at £45.7m whilst Derby tip the scales at £46.08m. Their grounds are virtually the same and so is their market value.

Whilst the win ratio against each other is close, Forest slightly edge it and any marginal advantage here will be music to supporters' ears. Forest have won 35.6% of their meetings, Derby just 33.3%. It might only be 2.3%, but if you ask Nottingham Forest fans it is enough for them to have permanent bragging rights, of sorts.

Derby will be able to come back on the league points, they're currently on 61, 17 ahead of their rivals. Forest, on 44 points, are equidistance from promotion and relegation which will offer a source of both comfort and frustration in equal measure.

Finally, we compare the two club's record signings. Nottingham Forest paid Peterborough United £6.2m for Britt Assombalonga, which pales in comparison with Derby's £8.46m signing of Vydra from Watford.

Vydra has 18 goals this season and the Rams will claim he was worth every penny just for his goal against Forest. They doubled their money and by shifting Assombalonga on to Middlesbrough in pre-season, but have they adequately replaced his goals? He's gone on to score 12 for promotion chasing Boro, whilst Daryl Murphy is the leading scorer at the City Ground on 7.

Who said money doesn't buy you goals?

What do you make of this comparison, Derby fans? Are you happy to be leading most of the comparison points? What about you Forest fans? Is there any stat as important as 11 trophies? Let us know your thoughts!