Another hairy moment for Forest as Duane Holmes' looping through bounced about in the box, almost dropping for Louie Sibley but his shot was blocked by the weight of Reds shirts in the box.

Derby look to have finally settled after the goal, about time for the hosts. it's much more direct now.

Time for the drinks break.

Image source, Getty Images

Another flash of the class of young Louie Sibley, who got to a fine knock-down from Chris Martin but his shot whizzes wide.

There's a fearlessness from the 18-year-old. Chris Martin is the perfect foil, he'll battle all day, get the backside in and put himself about.

Best Derby chance so far.

Wayne Rooney had a chance there to stamp some authority on the game with a free-kick from about 45 yards out on the left and plenty to aim at the in the box.

However, he drifts one wide and high for a goal-kick.

Not one for the showreel.

From taking the game to Forest in the first couple of minutes, Derby's slow down has proved costly.

The impetus is with them again to get on the front-foot.

Wayne Rooney has been the anchor at the base of midfield but so far has had little chance to influence proceedings.

Wild effort from Nuno Da Costa.

Forest built well down the left and the ball was worked to the Cape Verdean but as he drove toward goal he smashed the ball high and over.

Then Forest charged forward again, Samba Sow key to snapping up possession, but Derby have ample numbers to cope with the ball pinging around the box.

Joe Lolley causing Derby issues at the back and forces a corner, but his set-piece is in vain after a foul by Samba Sow.

It's a decent tempo at the moment, ball being moved about swiftly with both teams feeling each other out with patient play.

Image source, Getty Images

We've seen both sides already looking to go wide as the main threat.

Forest have Joe Lolley tucked on the right wing, and he was almost put in by a loose Wayne Rooney pass but Phillip Cocu's side rallied well to smother.

Then a sloppy Forest ball got Duane Holmes away down the right but his cross was poor.

It's a bit like watching on mute.

Louie Sibley hared down on the Forest back four a moment ago to close down the space and that would normally be greeted by a near-war cry from the stands.

But there was nothing. Silence.

Extremely eerie.

Right, here we go. No surge of energy from the stands, no ear-splitting roar. It's down to the players to generate the intensity which we have come to expect from this rivalry.

Forest kick us off.

Darren England is the referee, Nik Barnard and James Wilson the two assistants and the fourth official is Darren Drysdale.

Image source, .

Now it's time for the minutes applause for the NHS, and the taking of a knee for Black Lives Matter.

All set nearly.

Derby are out... Forest follow from the other side of Pride Park.

The pitch looks sensational.

Two cool and calm squads, set for the fire and brimstone of a derby.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, .

Right, little bit of context. Wednesday was a profitable night for both Nottingham Forest and Derby County, keeping them right in the mix for promotion.

The Reds moved up into fourth with their win over Bristol City, while the Rams are just a point behind Cardiff who are in sixth.

As well as following our live text coverage of this afternoon's game, if you're in the East Midlands then you can also pick from your choice of commentary from our colleagues on BBC local radio.

Unfortunately, rights restrictions mean we're unable to bring you those commentaries online.

Derby and Forest are just two of the teams from a growing pack of Championship clubs with promotion aspirations.

Who do you fancy to pick up the all-important automatic spots, and the coveted play-off berths?

How about the other end of the table, where the League One whirlpool could draw in any of five or six clubs in and around the relegation zone?

Give us your thoughts and any other Championship matters at #bbcefl and we'll use the best.

Colin Fray
Forest commentator, BBC Radio Nottingham

A fascinating derby in so many ways. There’s the obvious factor of who will cope better in the quietest derby atmosphere there’s ever been? Do Forest benefit from Derby having no home fans behind them? It must help.

But there’s so much more than that today. It’s a huge game for both sides given their form and their respective league positions. Forest inching closer to at least securing a play-off spot, while Derby, as Sabri Lamouchi suggested yesterday, might now be disappointed if they don’t get one, too, given their remarkable run of form.

Image source, Rex Features

There's plenty of heat between these rivals today, but I'm sure everyone would want to pass on their best wishes to the Derby defender Andre Wisdom as he recovers from stabbing wounds suffered during an unprovoked assault and robbery.

He was well enough to visit the team before the midweek win over Preston, and a win would be a perfect 'Get Well' gift for the 27-year-old this weekend.

Image source, Rex Features

You'd have to have lived under a rock not to know the history which ties Derby and Forest, both having been graced by the presence of the late, great Brian Clough,

It is fitting that both teams will play for the Brian Clough Trophy this afternoon, with Forest the current possessors.

It was a tough south-east London derby night for Lee Bowyer and relegation-threatened Charlton as their stubborn resistance against Millwall ran out after Jake Cooper's late winner.

For the finer details, check out last night's match report.

Ahead of all matches this weekend the EFL is marking the 72nd birthday of the National Health Service.

Leeds indie band The Kaiser Chiefs have recorded a special rendition of Happy Birthday, which will be shown in stadiums ahead of all fixtures.

A period of applause from players and staff from both clubs will then follow.

Tomorrow the NHS will mark 72 years since its foundation, with 2020 proving to be one of the most challenging years since its inception as it deals with the coronavirus pandemic.

“As football fans we are delighted to be able to join with EFL clubs this weekend and help commemorate the 72nd birthday of the NHS," Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix said.