Derby County at risk of dropping out of top two with two rivals' Tuesday night clash

With Derby County not playing until Saturday, you would think that the Rams can take a rest tonight, however that's not strictly true.

While they aren't playing, there is a massive clash with two promotion rivals facing eachother.

Third placed Bolton Wanderers make the trip to fourth placed Barnsley tonight as both sides look to overtake the Rams and get into an automatic promotion spot.

Derby are level on points with Bolton but have a better goal difference, where as Barnsley are only three points behind the Rams.

Bolton Wanderers

As little as a draw would put Bolton up into second place and finally having played the same number of games as the Rams.

If Ian Evatt's Bolton side win tonight, they will go three points ahead of Derby, but will make the trip to Pride Park in less than two weeks, which either way will be a huge game for both sides.

Barnsley

Meanwhile, if Barnsley get all three points tonight, they will find themselves level on points with Derby and Bolton which will put pressure on both.

Better news for the Tykes is that they also have another game in hand and so could overtake both of their rivals into second place with at least a win and a draw.

Who should Rams fans be pulling for?

A draw seems to be the best case scenario as neither team will gain significant ground even though Bolton will overtake Derby on points.

A Bolton win would still be okay for the Rams too as they still face the Trotters and so could regain those points back with a win at Pride Park.

If Barnsley win tonight, it could really put the pressure on Derby as Barnsley beat the Rams less than two weeks ago, meaning that Derby can't regain those points.

It could see Paul Warne's side looking at a two place drop if they are to have a poor result at the weekend too.

When it gets to this point in the season, every single little point matters, so with tonight's game as big as it is, Derby fans can't afford to relax.