Nottingham Forest v Derby: Lay both teams to score

Steve McLaren and Stuart Pearce go head-to-head

Nobody will want to lose face when the two bitter East Midland rivals meet at the City Ground at Sunday lunchtime and Andy Tongue thinks that we can make nice profit opposing both teams to score

Nottingham Forest v Derby
Sunday, 13:15
Live on Sky Sports 1

Nottingham Forest
Stuart Pearce's side have set the early pace with four wins and a draw from their five games and their fans were understandably rather miffed he didn't pick up the first Manager of the Month award - it went instead to Wolves boss Kenny Jackett for his side's impressive return to the second tier. Forest showed character as well as skill in going to Hillsborough last time out and returning with all three points against a physical Sheffield Wednesday outfit. Their attacking options were displayed as Henri Lansbury - in for a first league start of the season - grabbed the winner.

The Forest boss is on record as saying that he felt a lack of pace in attack as well as a shortage of strength in depth is what caused their dramatic fall out of the battle for a play-off position last season and he has certainly moved to address those two issues, building an enviable squad with additions such as Christ Burke, Jack Hunt, Michail Antonio and Michael Mancienne as well as the big-money swoop for Britt Assombalonga to add that speed up front.

They have scored 11 goals in the five games so far - only Watford have netted more - but also kept things tight at the back, conceding just three, suggesting that Pearce has got things right at both ends of the pitch in these early weeks of the season.

Derby
Steve McLaren's side were many people's tips to win the league if not promotion following their heartbreaking defeat in May's play-off final. However, I think they might find it tougher going than expected this time round with opposition sides working out ways to stop their dynamic 4-3-3 formation. A mixed start to the season saw them deservedly beaten 3-2 at Charlton and held to draws by Sheffield Wednesday and Ipswich but they showed glimpses of last season's swashbuckling style in that 5-1 demolition of Fulham at the iPro Stadium.

Midfielder Jeff Hendrick dislocated his shoulder in the game with Ipswich and with George Thorne out for the season with knee ligament damage, the strength of McLaren's options in the middle of the park will be tested over the coming weeks. The Rams did, though, add some quality with the loan signings of Ryan Shotton from Stoke and Liverpool winger Jordan Ibe on transfer deadline day.

The Derby boss wasn't happy with the performance at home to Ipswich and may make some changes for this one though given the importance of this clash he shouldn't have any problems getting a response from his players. Jamie Ward faces a late fitness test on a hamstring injury picked up on international duty with Northern Ireland.

Both Teams to Score
Forest have scored in each of their seven league and cup games and clearly have plenty of firepower, while Derby were the division's top scorers last year so perhaps it's no surprise to see both teams to score priced up at just 1.75/7. I think the value lies in opposing that, though.

I can't see there being more than a goal between the two sides and it might be that we see the game descend into a bit of a battle with so much at stake in terms of local bragging rights. The home side have kept clean sheets in each of their last three games so can clearly defend, while McLaren is unlikely to set his side out too expansively given they have not found top gear yet this campaign. With that in mind, I suspect a tight, tetchy contest is on the cards.

Match Odds
This fixture proved a dangerous one for managers last season. Nigel Clough lost his job as County manager after defeat at the City Ground just under 12 months ago then Billy Davies was sacked following a 5-0 defeat in the return fixture as Derby gained revenge in March and Forest's play-offs began to evaporate. Forest have won three out three at home this season and with the Rams not yet quite hitting the heights of season, it's understandable that the 2.427/5 about a home win is tempting some people here.

However, as there's actually been just one draw in the last 12 derbies between the pair so you might argue it's about time they shared the spoils again. That would mean nobody going home too unhappy and we can ensure we're happiest of all by backing the draw at 3.45n/a.

Recommended Bets
Lay Both Teams to Score at 1.748/11 Best Bet
Back the draw at 3.45n/a

2014/15 P/L

Staked: 18 pts
Returned: 21.72 pts
P/L: +3.72 pts

*2pts best bet if stated
1pt other recommended bets