Manager Frank Lampard believes there will be many twists and turns in the Sky Bet Championship's play-off race between now and the end of the season.
The Rams sit five points behind the top six - but Lampard’s side still have a crucial 18 points to play for in their bid to prolong their season.
We are now in the business end of the season where nerves and expectancy can sometimes lead to unexpected results.
On Wednesday night, Reading, who are fighting for their lives to stay in the division, scored a late goal against top-of-the-table Norwich City to claim a 2-2 draw.
Not many anticipated the Royal’s picking up a point at Carrow Road and Lampard believes there will be more surprising results as the season draws to a close.
Derby are back in action on Saturday afternoon with a home fixture against Bolton Wanderers at Pride Park Stadium (3pm kick-off).
“We have to win games,” he said, speaking to RamsTV.
“We are in the race and come off the back of a disappointing performance and result against Blackburn Rovers in midweek but there are many twists to come.
“If we win at the weekend at home where we have been good this season then we will be three points outside the play-offs. Aston Villa play Bristol City so no matter what happens, if we get a result, we will be close.
“There are results that surprise you every weekend because the division is so competitive from top to bottom and we are getting to a critical part now where the teams at the bottom are fighting for their lives.
“No game is easy and we have that against Bolton at the weekend. I won’t disregard them as a team but we don’t want to have too many eyes elsewhere, we have to concentrate on the six games that we have got.
"If we go on a run and win a lot of those games then we can make the play-offs.”
