Blackburn saw their playoff hopes take a blow last weekend courtesy of a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Nottingham Forest, a result that leaves them four points behind sixth-placed Reading.

That also made it nine goals conceded in their last two matches having also been beaten 5-0 by Manchester City in the FA Cup last Wednesday.

Gary Bowyer's side have lost just three times at home all season, and only one of those defeats have come in their last seven matches at Ewood Park.

Jordan Rhodes is expected to make his return to the starting lineup having been left on the bench for the last two games, but Leon Best remains a doubt for the hosts.

Derby, meanwhile, picked up points for the first time in 2014 courtesy of a narrow 1-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend.

Having ended 2013 in fine form, the Rams lost their first three games this year before beating Brighton to solidify their place in the playoff spots.

They now sit five points behind second-placed Queens Park Rangers and would close the gap to the automatic promotion spots to just two with a win on Saturday as neither Burnley or QPR are in Championship action.

Steve McClaren's side were beaten 4-1 by Leicester City in the last match on their travels, but they still boast the best away record in the league this season, picking up 26 points compared to the 21 in front of their own fans.

The visitors could remain unchanged for the match, and they will definitely be without Paul Coutts through injury, while Johnny Russell is also a doubt.

Recent form

Blackburn: LWDWLL

Derby: DWLLLW

Possible starting lineups

Blackburn: Robinson; Henley, Hanley, Dann, Spurr; Williamson, Lowe, Cairney, Marshall; Gestede, Rhodes

Derby: Grant; Wisdom, Keogh, Buxton, Forsyth; Hughes, Eustace, Bryson; Dawkins, Martin, Ward

Sports Mole says: 1-1