Speaking to Derby County’s official website, Gary Rowett has warned his squad they will have to be at the top of their game tonight against Leeds United, despite the Whites struggling in the Sky Bet Championship lately.  

Derby head to Elland Road this evening in contrasting form to Leeds, knowing victory over the Whites will move them into the Championship’s play-off zone and ahead of Thomas Christiansen’s side, who have suffered five defeats in their last seven league fixtures.

Despite that dismal run of form, Rowett has warned his side that the trip to Elland Road will be far from easy, as Leeds look to climb back up the table having slid down to fifth in recent weeks. The Derby boss looked back on his own experience of visiting Elland Road as a player, highlighting the impact Leeds’ supporters can have on a fixture.

Rowett said: “We know what it is like there, I’ve experienced it first-hand (as a player). We know it will be difficult, even though they are not on a great run of form. I’m sure they will be highly motivated to get that run of form back, so we’ve got to go there and do another fantastic job.”

Whilst Leeds have had a difficult run of results in the Championship, Derby are enjoying a fine run of form, which has helped them rise to seventh in the table heading into tonight’s fixtures. The Rams are unbeaten in their last six fixtures, and have won their last three, including Saturday’s trip to Norwich City.

The Verdict  

Everything seems to be stacking up against Leeds at the moment, and the likelihood is that it will galvanise the Elland Road crowd ahead of tonight’s fixture with Derby.

Derby head to Elland Road on a good run of form, but Leeds in a hostile environment will offer Rowett’s side a different test than what they have faced in recent weeks.

Victory tonight would be the most impressive result of Derby’s recent run.

Derby fans… Let us know your thoughts!