Here we go, then, another build-up to the most exciting game of the season and I`m feeling pretty confident we can do something good come Sunday afternoon.
Perhaps, in recent years, we`ve been in more hope than expectation that we`re going to beat the Rams, but I expect us to really give them trouble in this one.
We`re as good a side I`ve seen from us in the last few years with the added steel that Aitor and his signings have brought, and I firmly think we can ruin their promotion hopes.
Certainly, I don`t think they`re good enough anyway to go up automatically but if we can ruin any momentum they`re looking to build I`m more than happy to see us oblige.
One man who will be like me out on the field I`m sure, too, is Ben Osborn because he knows about this game more than most.
He`s proven a thorn in the side of Derby in recent years, too, and so I hope Aitor realises that and doesn`t leave him in at left-back as he has done in recent games.
We all know Osborn can play there and do a job but he`s much better going forwards and I think we should try and make room for him in midfield.
The holding pair aren`t going to shift by the looks of things but that`s alright because I see Ben playing in the attacking three behind the striker.
Who comes out is the question, of course, but I think there`s certainly a case to see him feature at the expense of someone and Karanka should make that call.
Having players that know about the rivalry, combined with talent, can be a real asset and so to not play Osborn, for me, would be a mistake.
Agree? Let me know in the poll!
