After a tough start to the season, the Rams have risen to 13th place in the second tier and their upturn in fortunes has coincided with the January arrival of Wayne Rooney.
Our former no.10 is expected to line up against the Reds on Thursday for only the third time since his 2017 departure.
Here’s everything you need to know about Thursday’s opponents…
WHAT'S THE TEAM NEWS?
Derby are expected to be without midfielders Duane Holmes, who remains sidelined with an ankle injury, and Tom Huddlestone, who has missed the last 10 matches in all competitions with a calf problem.