EAST MIDLANDS DERBY: Freedman’s Forest target scalp of high-flying Rams

Struggling Nottingham Forest will be hoping to flip the form table on its head during Friday night’s East Midlands derby.
Dougie Freedman.Dougie Freedman.
Dougie Freedman.

Boss Dougie Freedman is under pressure after seeing his side go eight games without a win.

Friday’s visit of Paul Clement’s Derby County gives the visitors the opportunity to go top of the Championship should they leave the City Ground with three points.

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However, Freedman will be hoping his side can finally end their rotten run which continued midweek with a 1-0 setback at Preston.

The Scot said immediately after that loss - their fourth defeat in the last six - that he doesn’t fear a relegation battle this term despite the poor run of results.

He said: “I’ve seen enough over six or seven games that we are in a very false position.

“You’re going to have difficult moments in a season and this is one - I don’t see us anywhere near a relegation battle.”

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In terms of form, Forest claimed four points against their bitter rivals last season.

They recorded a 1-1 win at home in September 2014 before prospering 2-1 at the iPro in January of this year.

Goals from Britt Assombalonga and Ben Osborn completed a memorable comeback win for Forest as they sealed a first win in County’s backyard since 2011.

A boost for Freedman on Friday will be the return of duo Henri Lansbury and David Vaughan from respective bans.

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The pair may go straight into the side, whilst Tyler Walker and Dexter Blackstock will both be hoping for recalls.

Derby will make the short journey in fine fettle, having been beaten just once in the league all season.

Infact, the Rams’ last league defeat away from home came back in March.

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