Derby County will be hoping to get their playoff push re-started on Saturday as they entertain Middlesbrough.
The Rams still reeling from their shock 1-3 defeat at the hands of Burton Albion last week could do a great deal to repair the damage done by the Brewers victory but their task is made even harder by the fact they now have to play three of the top five clubs in their final four games of the season.
Big week for the Rams starting with Middlesbrough who currently sit in fifth place in the table, a position the Rams have occupied for several weeks prior to last weekend.
A victory over Middlesbrough would see Derby go two points ahead of them and have played a game less. A draw wouldn’t be wouldn’t be disastrous either as the chasing group of Preston NE and Sheffield United couldn’t go above the Rams, who currently are in 7th place and have a healthier goal difference.
Defeat however would leave the way clear for either of the two chasing clubs to send the Rams down to 9th place.
Millwall who are currently just in front of the Rams in the table in sixth place, a point ahead of Derby play Fulham in the Friday night game. Rams fans I suspect will be hoping for a Fulham away win which would keep Millwall firmly in the Rams sights with two games in hand.
The Rams have been talking of player and system changes this week but injuries and loss of form could tie the hands of manager Gary Rowett. Certainly a more attacking look to the Derby County side is a must following the way the Rams lost to the bottom of the table Burton Albion last week. The desire to make the top six must be present in the squad his weekend if they are to stand any sort of chance of making the lottery, which is the playoffs.