'Biggest derby I've played in'
Nottingham Forest midfielder Ben Watson says only since he joined the club has he understood the magnitude of the East Midlands derby.
Forest host Derby County at the City Ground today (12.30pm) as they look to stretch the gap between themselves and their fierce rivals to seven points and strengthen their position in the Championship's top six.
The Reds have won the last two meetings between the sides, including a 3-0 Carabao Cup triumph in August.
And Watson knows to expect another "unbelievable" atmosphere this afternoon.
“[It is ] the atmosphere more than anything,” said Watson.
“I don’t think they’ve been particularly good games that I’ve played in, the atmosphere from both sets of fans has been unbelievable and I’m hoping for the same again on Saturday."
City Ground pitch latest
Forest last night issued an update on the condition of the City Ground pitch ahead of today's clash.
Concern had been raised among supporters owing to dramatic weather conditions in the region throughout Friday, with river levels increasing and some parts suffering from flooding.
The Reds statement said that, as of yesterday evening, there was no planned pitch inspection and that the City Ground playing surface was in good condition - after the previous home game against Reading was called off due to a waterlogged pitch.
“Preparations for Nottingham Forest's home game against Derby County on Saturday are going well and the pitch is currently in a good condition,” the Reds said in a statement on Friday afternoon.
'You can pay with cash for your mistakes'
Derby occasions are often ones to relish and look forward to, although they can be difficult ones to enjoy.
For Sabri Lamouchi, his first taste of Nottingham Forest and Derby County’s rivalry came back in August when his side romped to a 3-0 win in the Carabao Cup.
Rarely do these games prove to be quite so straightforward, and though Lamouchi did enjoy his first taste of this unique bond, that only came at full-time when the result was assured.
On Saturday, both the Reds and Rams will do it all again, but this time, it will be for valuable Championship points and not a place in the next round of a cup competition.
Lamouchi, who displayed a steely determination as he previewed the 106th competitive meeting between the two clubs, hopes he’ll be able to enjoy his 48th birthday in style.
“To enjoy the game is difficult, maybe after, depending on the result,” he said.
Opposition view
Phillip Cocu is relishing his first East Midlands derby in the Championship as Derby County manager.
Cocu will take his Derby side to the City Ground for Saturday's early kick-off in the second tier, with the Rams four points and 10 places adrift of Nottingham Forest ahead of the game.
Forest have already hosted their neighbours from down the A52 this season, easing to a 3-0 victory in the Carabao Cup second round back in August.
Still, ex-Barcelona star Cocu is looking forward to something "a little bit different" to every other Championship game when the rivals meet on Trentside this weekend.
"It is a very big game, and I like it. Even in the League Cup it was a big crowd, great atmosphere," he told Derbyshire Live.
Your big pre-Derby questions answered
Our own Barry Cooper was in the Nottinghamshire Live hotseat yesterday to look ahead to this afternoon's East Midlands derby - and answer any questions you had on it.
The Rams, Joao Carvalho's form and potential new signings were all among the topics discussed.
It's the perfect build-up to kick-off...
