The countdown is underway in the East Midlands as Derby prepare to host rivals Nottingham Forest on Monday night in what should be a feisty Championship clash.

Not only is this game huge for fans in terms of bragging rights but both teams are real promotion contenders this season and are separated by three points.

With the Reds going to Pride Park, they will start as outsiders with the bookies, however, former European Cup winner Kenny Burns, who also had a spell with the Rams, has backed Forest to get a win.

Writing in his regular Nottingham Live column, the former Scotland international reckons that the in-form Lewis Grabban can make the difference against Derby's defence - who have kept one clean sheet since September.

"If Grabban gets a chance, it’s very unusual for him to miss. He’s definitely got the ability to score against a Derby defence that’s not the best.

"Their defence is a big weakness. There’s a massive hole there. That’s something Forest have got to look to exploit."

After Aitor Karanka's men lost at the weekend at home to Preston, they dropped out of the play-offs, with Derby leapfrogging their rivals after a 1-0 win at Wigan.

However, Forest know a first win at Pride Park since 2015 will take them back above Frank Lampard's side.

The Verdict

This should be a cracking game on Monday and it's already building up nicely with comments like this from Burns.

In fairness, Derby are not the most convincing at the back and Grabban is flying this season, so the visitors will hope he can be decisive.

However, there will be key battles all over the pitch that decide the outcome of the game.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.