FIRST, an enjoyable recap to the last meeting between Derby County and Nottingham Forest. An historic day and unforgettable if you follow the Rams.
A thumping 5-0 victory equalled Derby's biggest-ever victory over their neighbours, turning the clock back 116 years to the days of Steve Bloomer.
We also saw Craig Bryson hit the first League hat-trick scored by a Derby player against Forest since Bloomer and there has never been a bigger winning margin in the 122-year, 86-match history of the fixture.
The rivals are preparing to meet again this weekend.
Will what happened last time be mentioned in either camp? Can Derby call on the confidence of their memorable win? Can Forest use the hurt of such a heavy defeat to fuel a determined response?
This is a new joust. Previous battles will become mere memories once the action starts at the City Ground.
Derby have won four of their previous seven visits to the banks of the Trent. They have also suffered three defeats, including a 5-2 reverse on a December night when they were awful – but not as awful as Forest were at the iPro Stadium in March.
They were abject on the day. If there can be any guarantee in this unpredictable fixture it is that Forest will not be as poor again.
They went into the game without a win in seven and it was easy to see why.
Pedestrian in midfield, porous in defence, they had no answer to Derby's energy and speedy, incisive play.
Forest also missed seven or more key players through injury. That is an amount that would seriously stretch any team in the Championship but even a crippling injury list was no excuse for such a limp display.
Manager Billy Davies was sacked two days' later. Stuart Pearce has taken charge.
A Forest legend as a player, he has guided the team to a five-match unbeaten start to the season in the League. Four wins and a draw have seen the Reds collect 13 points from a possible 15 to sit top of the early table.
Belief appears to have been restored and Pearce's pre-match battle-cry is likely to contain the statement: "This team is in a much, much better place than it was in March."
Cliches are sure to be handed an airing – a wounded animal, a dangerous opponent looking for revenge.
Both apply to Forest. Andy Reid has already been quoted as saying: "We owe them (Derby) one."
A warning, then.
But Derby do not need a warning.
They are fully aware of the possible script.
Forest will also be well aware of the threat Derby pose, having been ripped apart six months ago.
The Rams have played in patches so far this season but not over lengthy periods within games, as yet.
When they do hit form there is no reason for them to fear any opponent in this division.
The countdown to Sunday has started ...
