Former Manchester United defender Phil Neville
Football Focus

"It is an absolute mess that Rangers have found themselves in. Full credit to Ally McCoist when they dropped down he stuck with them and I think they need to stick with him through to the end now."

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown
Football Focus

"Ally McCoist has been through an awful lot with Rangers. I would like to see him stay there and finish the job - get the club back where they belong. We will have to watch that space though, because there has a lot of talk about replacements being lined up, but the club can't afford to replace him."

Middlesbrough look strong down the left today. They attack with real purpose through George Friend who off-loads to Adam Reach in the final third. The young winger beats a couple of men, but his pull-back is wasteful. Bright signs nevertheless.

Ian Dennis
BBC Radio 5 live senior football reporter

"Manchester City are in good form. I think the Bayern win in the Champions League was the moment of City's season so far. But the win this week at Roma was significant because it was crucial victory achieved without Aguero, Toure or Kompany. It is significant that the team has evolved without those three key players."

Derby don't look like a team who will panic - they continue to pass the ball about crisply and confidently but Boro's two banks of four are looking fairly solid at the moment.

The 'as it stands' Championship table looks good, Boro fans...

Former Manchester United defender Phil Neville
Football Focus

"At the start of the season, Sam Allardyce was under immense pressure and I think in the summer he went to the board and said either sack me or back me in the window. It's worked out well, they're in the top four and I can imagine that they will be around there at the end of the season."

Steve Harper
Hull City goalkeeper at Riverside Stadium for 5 live Sport

"The long-ball from Keogh tried to force it for Derby, but it was intercepted by Middlesbrough. Intelligent play from Bamford, who just pulled into space. A great start for Middlesbrough, and Derby now just need to settle."

"Boro always struggle when they are on the tele," said the office Middlesbrough fan earlier. Maybe not today though... they are off to a flier as Adam Reach gets in behind down the left and squares for Patrick Bamford to bundle the ball home. Lift-off.

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown
Football Focus

"When Alex Song was at Arsenal there were no real boundaries for him and he was trying to get forward too much. He is better playing deep. He has been absolutely key for West Ham. Everything starts with him in midfield, he moves the ball quickly, he spots the danger and keeps West Ham ticking along to what is the new West Ham way. It was a great acquisition to sign him on loan this summer."

Derby's ex-Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren shared a warm embrace with home chairman Steve Gibson as he took his seat in the stand. Will the pair still be as friendly at the final whistle?

Steve Harper
Hull City goalkeeper at Riverside Stadium for 5 live Sport

"A good start from Derby. Middlesbrough have fallen back into their 4-4-2 and seem happy to let Derby play in front of them. But Derby have attacked and have already played a good cross into the box, testing Konstantopoulos."

The sun is shining brightly today at the Riverside. Not often you say that. And it could cause Boro keeper Dimitrios Konstantopoulos some early problems as Derby pump the ball into the box with the Greek stopper having trouble picking it out with the sun in his eyes.

Pull up a pew, Saturday football is go, go, go.

Steve Harper
Hull City goalkeeper on 5 live Sport

"Hull have nothing to lose going to Chelsea. This season we've been to Anfield, Goodison and the Emirates and got very valuable points. Why not at Stamford Bridge. Hull need to dig in today because after this match we've got a decent run of fixtures. We will have to be at out best with 11 players on top form. Steve Bruce hand the staff has done a lot of homework this past week and hopefully it will pay off.

"But take a look at Petr Cech. He has an opportunity today - if he does well today I see no reason why he shouldn't keep his place. And Cech is a Chelsea club legend."

Derby boss Steve McClaren: "It's a massive test. Aitor Karanka has done a great job with his Boro team. They play great football and score good goals. It's a big game, a big test. I just want us to go out there and play as we can. If we do, it could be a good day."

Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka, who is serving a one-game touchline ban today: "We are in December. We have to be very strong now, because over Christmas if we do well it may well decide our season. It's the first time I've watched the game from the stands. Hopefully it will be my last, because I have learnt from my mistake. I don't want to make excuses. We have prepared perfectly, the players know my style, and I can of course talk to my players at half-time."

Derby might be sitting top of the pile in December, but, as every Christmas tree fairy will attest, that isn't always the case in January. To ensure Derby's promotion dream doesn't end up in a box in the loft at the start of 2014, manager Steve McClaren has been scouting potential new signings.

He's been in the Netherlands this week, and his assistant Paul Simpson said: "We are looking to strengthen. We are all going to games and making trips to see players on the radar."

We've teamed up with the Danny Baker Show on BBC Radio 5 Live - how far is TOO far to go in supporting your team

Steve from Manchester: Went to the '81 cup final replay which was the night before my English O-level exam. Fell asleep during it and had to be nudged awake by my teacher. Failed the exam, City lost and I had one very angry Mum! (Passed the re-sit)

Carmen in Surrey: I went to see Spurs v QPR one week before my daughter was due. At 39 weeks pregnant, I literally only just managed to fit through the turnstiles!

Jonny: Left at 6:30am to go to Manchester City's last game of the season v Middlesbrough 07/08, we lost 8-1!! Sven's last game in charge.