When Derby County travel to Nottingham Forest on Sunday, there will be a lot more than just bragging rights on the line.

The fierce East Midlands derby will see two of the Championship's promotion candidates go head-to-head, with the victor taking a step closer to the top-flight.

The home side, Nottingham Forest, have made a great start to life under new boss Stuart Pearce and currently sit at the top of the table.

Pearce, who made over 400 appearances for the club as a player, was appointed in July following the sacking of Billy Davies. 

The former England international has guided his side to an unbeaten start, only dropping points away at Bolton Wonderers. 

Nottingham Forest will undoubtedly go into the game as favourites, and will be boosted further by the returns of Henri Lansbury and Jamaal Lascelles, who have both recovered from knee injuries.

Midfielder David Vaughan (hamstring) and defender Kelvin Wilson (calf) are both also fit to face the Rams.

Injury costless and high on confidence, Derby will face an uphill battle if they are to come away from the City Ground with all three points. 

Steve McClaren's side have made a steady start to the campaign, and are currently on the verge of the play-off places. 

The Rams, who reached the final of the play-offs last season, will be looking to go one stage further this time, but they have been struggling to recapture the form that took them to the verge of the Premier League in May.

Derby will be without Jeff Hendrick, who is out with a dislocated shoulder. Jamie Ward could also be sidelined after he picked up a hamstring injury while playing for Northern Ireland in midweek. 

Centre-back Jake Buxton will return from a hip injury, which had been troubling him for the majority of the season. 

The Rams boast a great record at the City Ground of late, winning twice in their last three trips there. 

Nottingham Forest have won only one of the last six meetings. Their only win since 2011 was a 1-0 victory in September last year. 

Derby won this fixture 5-0 at the iPro Stadium in March. The Rams were rampant that day, and will be hoping they can be equally impressive on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Forest will be desperate to make up for the earlier thrashing, as they look to cement their place at the summit of the Championship table. 

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