Much has changed for the Reds since a 5-0 humiliation at the iPro Stadium in March spelled the end of Billy Davies' second reign at the club. Stuart Pearce has guided his side to the top of the table and they are yet to taste competitive defeat under their new manager.
That record will be tested to the full on Sunday as Steve McClaren's Rams have been one of the most consistent sides in the country since the former Forest and England manager returned to the domestic game.
They have made a solid start to the current campaign but will be missing midfielder Jeff Hendrick for the next few weeks after he sustained an injury.
With both teams having been Championship regulars since the 2008/09 season the East Midlands clash has become a focal point of the season and the six league meetings at the City Ground since then have been evenly split, Forest's 1-0 victory in September 2013 making it three wins apiece.
Check out the full head-to-head record of the two sides by clicking here