‘Derby have not been vintage in terms of their quality this season’
What’s left:
Blackpool (H), Portsmouth (A), Wycombe (A), Leyton Orient (H), Cambridge Utd (A), Carlisle (H).
How it started: After the heartbreak of missing out on the top six on the final day of last season at Sheffield Wednesday, everybody expected Derby to strengthen significantly during the window that would help propel them one step further. The start to the season wasn't the greatest and the defeat to Stevenage was undoubtedly the nadir, but since then they haven't looked back.
How it’s going: Derby missed a chance to make it five wins on the spin at Northampton that would give them some considerable daylight in the chase for the top two. I don't think anybody would dispute that Derby have not been vintage in terms of their quality this season, but they have been so consistent and very difficult to score against. As the old adage goes, good attacks win you games, good defences win you titles.
Gut feeling: Well, I don't see any team winning their last seven games on the spin, that is for sure.
Pompey have got a tough run-in and I can see them perhaps being dragged into it. As for Derby, their run-in – bar Portsmouth away - is actually not bad. They've not given up for the chase of the title, but a lot of things would need to go right for them as there are seven or eight injuries at the moment. The experienced players will be vital to ensure they stay in the top two.
Star and saviour:
The centre-backs have been incredible and Eiran Cashin and Curtis Nelson are both serious contenders for the players of the season. Nathaniel Mendez-Laing has also been terrific and for me, is the best winger in the league.
Worry lines: Injuries. Derby have had their fair share and they keep on coming. Losing Dwight Gayle has been a huge blow, and losing MendezLaing at Northampton is another one. It has left them with two strikers in Martyn Waghorn and Conor Washington and they've only just come back from injury. And Derby do have the oldest squad in the league.
Leigh Curtis (Derby Evening Telegraph)