Derby County prepare for Bolton and "biggest game of the season so far"

Derby County face arguably their biggest game of the season this weekend as they host promotion rivals Bolton Wanderers.

The Rams sit in second place, just one point ahead of Bolton, making Saturday's game a battle for second place and that important automatic promotion spot.

Despite the magnitude of the game, the Rams come into it in good form. They have won their last three games including two 3-0 wins.

Whereas Bolton have been less consistent, winning just one of their last three, although having said that, it was a 5-0 thumping of a difficult Oxford United, so the Trotters won't be too concerned.

Goals goals goals

Saturday's game is set up to be what should be an attacking and entertaining affair. Bolton have scored nine goals in their last three games and the Rams have scored eight.

Pride Park is hosting the second highest scorers (Bolton) against the fourth highest scorers (Derby) and two teams that aim to play high energy attacking football.

Recently, Paul Warne's side have shown his philiosophy to be true, pacey wing play and counter-attacking football at its best has been the mantra of the Rams over their past few outings.

Whereas Bolton have dominated the possession stats in their past few, making sure that they try to grasp control of the game by pressing whenever they lose the ball.

Pitting the two styles up against eachother should mean we see goals on Saturday.

Promotion battle

The importance of Saturday's game is unquestioned as if Derby win or the two sides draw, Paul Warne's team will go into the last seven games of the season with second place in their hands; they will either have a four point or one point lead.

If Ian Evatt's Bolton win on Saturday, they will take a two point lead into the last seven games and the promotion race will be in their hands.

Pride Park is expected to be sold out with well over 31,000 fans attending, it will no doubt feel like a playoff game for both sides.

Predictions

Both teams have quality, both teams have experience and both teams are capable of scoring goals.

The stats suggest it should be a closely fought, but open game, so a 2-2 or 3-2 scoreline either way could be very possible.

Derby are in the better form, plus they will have a massive home crowd cheering them on. However if Bolton can silence the Pride Park faithful, then they have every chance of coming away with a win.

It is simply billed to be a classic.

Derby County vs Bolton Wanderers kicks off at 3pm on Saturday 16 March.