So, here we go again. The tables have well and truly turned since our last visit with the clubs sitting at opposite ends of the table and a proven difference in class between the two.  

If football was straightforward then we'd go there and rip them apart and probably run up a cricket score. Unfortunately, it doesn't work like that and it could well be a tough game in store as Forest attempt to record their first ever victory at Pride Park.

The Flag Day back in August will undoubtedly add an added layer of tension to this encounter and both sets of fans would love nothing more than a victory on the 30th January. I'm sure Derby have all kinds of surprises in store for us again that we can laugh at...

The Ground

Pride Park was one of the pioneers of the dull 'bowl' stadiums that have sprung up in the last decade. While it is more impressive than similarly designed grounds such at Leicester's Walkers Stadium, it still is a lifeless venue not helped by the Derby supporters who, along with Norwich, must be the most ridiculous set of fans in the country. Don't get me started on the bunch of kids to the right who nick everyone else's songs including the old Sheffield Wednesday chant which they have adapted to 'Forest ran away'. The only set of fans running last year were those unfortunate enough to be in the pub where a severed sheep's head came crashing through the window. Not to mention the bunch that got chased around Frankie & Bennie's near the ground!

The only section that differs from the rest of the ground is the Toyota West Stand which is two tiered and has a large block of corporate boxes at its left end. As the stand rises above the rest of the ground, the roof dips back down again to join up with the Derbyshire Building Society Stand and the Cawarden Stand behind each goal. Down the other by-line is the UK Diggers Stand. The overall capacity of the stadium is around 33,000.

Away fans are housed in the Cawarden End with the entire stand usually being made available giving around 4,500 tickets although Forest were allocated just 2,700 in total this time around. This despite us giving them 4,500 at the City Ground earlier in the season.

Surrounding Area

Set in the middle of Pride Park industrial area, there is a lack of anything around the ground. The Harvester pub a few minutes from the ground is only pub that springs to mind with most pubs back in the city centre which is around a fifteen minute walk.

Across from the station is the Merry Widows and The Flowerpot which, has developed into a potential flash point of late ever since the invasion by a group of Forest on the way to Port Vale a couple of seasons ago. The police will ensure Forest fans are escorted to the ground once off their trains. Gaining entry to any pubs in town may prove difficult but there are quite a few places to drink should the police be avoided.

Travel

Services depart Nottingham at a frequent rate and take around half an hour. After the game, Derbyshire Constabulary will be out in force to sheperd Forest supporters out of town as soon as possible and cram us into the carriages again so the return timetable will probably not be adhered to. A return costs just £4.60 but not worth buying one as they won't get checked.

By car, follow the Brian Clough Way (A52) to Eastgate before bearing left onto the A601 St Alkmund's Way. At the next roundabout, take the first exit onto Station Approach (B6000) which leads down to the stadium. Parking is available around the industrial estate or leaving the car in the town centre and walking is another option.

There are a few public transport buses that run from Nottingham to Derby including the Rainbow 4 from Wheeler Gate and the Red Arrow from Victoria Bus Station.

Official Skills coaches depart from the Brian Clough Stand car park at 10.45 and costs £8.

Tickets

Tickets are £30 adults, £18 for senior citizens and £13 for under 16's.

The process of getting hold of tickets involves a postal application and there is apparently little chance of being successful unless you have been to five-six away games..