Derby County v Nottingham Forest Betting Tips [26 February 2021]

After wins for both Derby and Nottingham Forest in the week, there is a sense of relief around both clubs as the rivals look safe from relegation. It has been a long season for these teams but now they can breathe and prepare for an East Midlands Debry. These fearsome foes played out a 1-1 draw back in October at the City Ground when both teams were in danger of leaving the Championship. However, changes at the dugout appear to have brought new life into the sides with Derby now in 18th place after three wins in their last four matches under the guidance of Wayne Rooney. Meanwhile, Chris Hughton has steered Nottingham Forest have won back-to-back matches over the past week to move up to 15th in the table now 10 points above the relegation zone with a total of 39, two ahead of Derby.  

The latest edition of this riveting rivalry will take place at Pride Park where Derby have won each of their last four matches. The Rams have only conceded one goal during that run and a 2-1 victory over Huddersfield on Tuesday night was enough to take them into 18th above their guests. Now they welcome their old nemesis, Nottingham Forest who have lost just one of the last nine meetings. Each of the last two head-to-heads have ended in a 1-1 draw with Derby winless in seven although their last victory did come when hosting back in October 2017.  

Forest looked down and out when Chris Hughton walked into the club, just like Derby did before Wayne Rooney’s arrival but they have picked up 39 points in 28 games since Hughton came through the door having lost each of their first four matches. Forest were beaten in the play-offs last season and a strong run now to finish the season would set Hughton and the club up for another run next season. Their status now looks secure and they have won four of their last five matches on the road so there is every chance their fine run continues here.