Derby County and Nottingham Forest is one of the biggest rivalries in England let alone the Championship, and both have genuine ambition this season.
In light of Forest's 1-0 victory over Derby at the City Ground recently, this article looks at the best possible combination of the two sides - in the opinion of FLW reporter Michael Hasan.
Derby are seen as the more genuine title contender and under Paul Clement they were on a 10 match unbeaten run, and starting to show form befitting of a promotion winning side.
Meanwhile, Forest have had a slow start to the season and are currently languishing in mid-table.
For example, they were were superb against Middlesbrough at the City Ground but couldn't quite find an equaliser after dominating most of the game.
Also worth noting that Assombalonga is yet to return to fitness to spearhead the Forest attack and their win over Derby will infuse the fans and squad - that with Assombalonga back, they could challenge for the top six.
Whilst Derby were disappointing yesterday they have a wealth of excellent players and are still one of the favourites for a top two position.
Here is a list of the best possible XI when the two sides are combined......
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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE BEST COMBINED XI!
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GK - Scott Carson ( Derby )
It's a close matchup between the Derby keeper and Dorus de Vries of Nottingham Forest who has done an excellent job of replacing Karl Darlow.
But, Carson has been crucial to Derby's start this season making far less blunders than Lee Grant was sometimes accustomed too, and the experience he brings to the team could be crucial in Derby finally achieving promotion this year.
RB - Eric Lichaj (Nottingham Forest)
In my opinion, Lichaj just edges out Christie on the basis of consistency.
Christie was sometimes found out by the very best wingers in the division and was sloppy in aspects of his attacking game.
Lichaj has been very consistent for Forest and a constant outlet for attack and good in his defensive duties.
Lichaj has also been in good form this season for Forest as well and part of a better defensive line.
LB - Pinillos (Nottingham Forest)
Was an unknown quantity to most neutrals at the start of the season, but is fast becoming one of the best left backs in the league.
His performance against Derby was outstanding and is quickly becoming a fan favourite.
He shows good range in his defensive and attacking play.
CB - Jason Shackell (Derby)
The centre back signed by Derby from Burnley was one of the signings of the summer, in a position which was one of the shakiest positions for Derby in the past, and it has often cost Derby a chance at promotion as they've never found a good enough partner for Keogh.
He was a rock for Burnley in the season they went up and knows what it takes to get out of this league, his experience will assist Keogh at the back and help the defence be meaner.
CB - Richard Keogh (Derby)
The Derby captain has been their best defender over the last few years, and the lack of good enough partners for him has been the main thing stopping Derby from going up.
He made Team of the Season last year and has continued to be solid this year and this year he has the assistance of Jason Shackell, which may prove to be a winning combination in defence.
CM - George Thorne (Derby)
When signed from West Bromwich Albion, Thorne was tipped to be a big hit at Derby but he has been plagued by serious injuries ever since he joined.
His return to fitness this season has been like a new signing for Derby this season and the young English defensive midfielder has been excellent on his return.
Thorne has protected the defence excellently and has contributed to attack with goals and through balls.
CM - Henri Lansbury (Nottingham Forest)
The highly-rated Forest midfielder has long been seen as Forest's best players but his career has been plagued with injuries and inconsistency.
But he is a midfielder of definite Premier League quality and shows it on many occasions with his mazy runs, excellent dribbling and accurate shooting.
When in form he's one of the best midfielders in the league and provides a more attacking option to Thorne.
LM - Johnny Russell (Derby)
The Derby winger has been consistent since his move from Dundee and is known for his marauding runs.
He is a great impact player used very effectively from the bench by Derby and he completely changed the game against Middlesbrough earlier in the season.
Russell is full of running and has a great work rate and his shooting from wide positions is excellent.
RM - Tom Ince (Derby)
Ince has been an influential figure in Paul Clement's side this season, and he is always at the heart of all attacking moves.
The winger has an array of experience of the Football League, and he looks set to improve even further this season - with a move to the Premier League again, a possibility.
ST - Britt Assombalonga (Nottingham Forest)
It should be considered that this best XI will consider the injured players.
Assombalonga was incredible for Nottingham Forest last season and for a good chunk of the season, was the beating heart of a Forest team top of the league and challenging for promotion.
After they fell away he sadly injured his knee against Wigan and wont return until February 2016 which was a shame as he had 15 goals in 29 games, and was one of the best strikers in the league.
ST - Chris Martin (Derby)
The Derby striker is considered by many as the best strikers in the division, up there with Austin and Rhodes.
He consistently bags 20 goals a season and is lethal from close range and will be essential to Derby's promotion bid this season, as second choice striker Darren Bent has proved inconsistent.
This partnership up front would be a guaranteed promotion winning team.
Do you agree Forest and Derby fans? Who would your best XI be keeping in mind you need a balance? Leave thoughts and opinions below!