With just a point separating the two sides, it’s 2nd v 3rd in Sky Bet League One on Saturday afternoon as Wanderers make the trip to Pride Park this weekend.
After a five-star performance in front of the Sky Sports cameras on Tuesday night, Ian Evatt’s men will be looking to replicate those performance levels and will be backed by a 3,000 strong away following.
Manager quotes
Ian Evatt: “We know we need to play really well on Saturday because Derby an excellent team with a manager who knows how to get out of this division and sets his teams up so well. We're very respectful of that but also have some inner belief to go there and believe that we can get the job done.
“It's a big game and the message to everyone is just enjoy it. Enjoy the pressure. Pressure is an absolute privilege when we've had the recent history that we have had. Embrace it, enjoy it, and be proud of our football club again. I certainly am.”
Derby County Manager Paul Warne: “I think it's a game that neither team will want to lose. Ironically, we will both be going for it but if you lose it's a bigger blow.
“It has more connotations further down the line. With eight games to go, there's still 24 points to go so even if you lose it and win six of your other games, you may be handsome and get the job done.
“I think they are a very well managed club. I really like Ian Evatt, I think he's a really good coach and a really good guy. I like the way his teams play, I've seen a lot of them.
“They've got a couple of injuries with two of their strikers ruled out, although they still have two formidable strikers to come in. They've put themselves in a really good position.
“This is their third season in League One and they've sort of built and improved on the team year-on-year. The club has massive expectations and with that comes a pressure for the players, not dissimilar to us.”
Team News
Wanderers have had a constant battle with injuries in the last month or so but have no fresh injuries after Tuesday night.
Dion Charles, Victor Adeboyejo and Nathan Baxter will remain absent for Wanderers alongside George Johnston, Caleb Taylor, Carlos Mendes Gomes and Dan Nlundulu who are all having to content with their longer term injuries.
For the hosts, they will be without Max Bird, Ryan Nyambe, Josh Vickers, James Collins, Conor Washington, Tyreece John-Jules and Jake Rooney.
The Rams are hopeful of having Tyrese Fornah available for selection after missing the last few games.
Form Guide
Overall, Derby have secured maximum points in seven of their previous ten outings which include three straight victories over Port Vale, Bristol Rovers and Reading in recent weeks.
A Conor Hourihane penalty on Saturday against a 10-man Reading ensured County remained in the top two by a point, just above Wanderers.
Wanderers should be brimming with confidence after hitting Oxford United for five on Tuesday night. Goals came from Nathanael Ogbeta, Josh Dacres-Cogley, George Thomason, Aaron Collins and Josh Sheehan in an impressive win under the lights at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.
The Whites are currently four unbeaten and will be hoping to continue that form with the promotion run-in hotting up with just the eight games remaining.
The reverse fixture resulted in a 2-1 win for Wanderers way back in September with goals from Dion Charles and Josh Dacres-Cogley.
Officials:
Referee: Marc Edwards
Assistant Referees: Graeme Fyvie and Johnathon Bickerdike
Fourth Official: Conor Brown
Kick-off:
Saturday, 3pm.
Coverage:
Supporters living outside of the UK can watch the game live via Wanderers TV with a match pass, which can be purchased HERE
Alternatively, UK supporters can listen to live full match commentary on Wanderers TV HERE.
Supporter Information:
There will be a Football Special train for Bolton Wanderers supporters ONLY direct from Stoke to Derby - departing Stoke station at 10:23am (arrives into Derby just after 11am).
Post match: Bolton Wanderers supporters ONLY direct from Derby to Stoke - Departs Derby station platform 3 at 5:25pm (arrives in Stoke just after 6pm).
We have also been sent the following information to share with supporters regarding pubs that will be open to away supporters in the Derby area:
Navigation PH, London Road, DE24 8UU (away pub): Five-ten minute walk to the stadium. Ample parking on the road and in the Derby Conference Centre opposite. Food served and live sport shown.
Harvester PH, Pride Park, DE24 8JE (home and away): large outdoor area with a bar. Five minute walk to stadium. Live sport shown.
Babington Arms, Derby city centre (away pub): 25-30 min walk to stadium.
Standing Order, Derby city centre (home and away): 30 min walk to stadium.
There are no pubs in and around that train station that will be accepting away supporters. The Station Inn is now closed permanently.