It is the eagerly anticipated East Midlands derby this weekend, with Nottingham Forest visiting the Pride Park Stadium to face bitter rivals, Derby County.  

There has been plenty of build up to the fixture over the course of the international break, and there is particular pressure on Derby, who are without a victory since early September.

Gary Rowett’s side enter the weekend’s fixtures with just 13 points from their opening 10 fixtures, sitting lower than many expected them to at an early stage of the season.

This Sunday they face a Forest side who are beginning to stutter under Mark Warburton after a strong start to the season.

Forest have just two victories from their last seven fixtures, which has led to them sliding into a mid-table position.

However, Derby will still have to be on the top of their game to pick up a victory. With that in mind, here is a look at TWO members of Rowett’s squad that will be vital to picking up a positive result…

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Curtis Davies

Despite not wearing the captain’s armband, Davies is the leader of Derby’s side, and his performance in a hostile derby environment will be key.

Davies will come up against Daryl Murphy, who is in excellent form for Forest, and nullifying his threat will give the Rams a real chance of picking up their first victory in over a month.

Likely to be alongside Richard Keogh, the duo will have a huge influence on the outcome of this fixture.

Tom Lawrence

Last season, Tom Ince was often the difference between Derby and their opposition, and Lawrence has been brought in to replace the winger who has headed for the Premier League.

Lawrence has enjoyed a steady start to his Derby career, and with Bradley Johnson suspended this weekend, there is a chance for the Welshman to move into a central role.

Davies will be key to Derby’s defensive performance, and Lawrence will be key to the Rams breaking Forest down.