Derby County captain Curtis Davies believes their final game of the regular 2022/23 Sky Bet League One season at Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday was 'always one that was going to have something riding on it'.
From the moment the fixtures were released back in July, the experienced defender says the team were all well aware that it was one that could have meaning to it for either side.
The Owls already have third place confirmed going into the weekend but the Rams know a win would secure them their place in the League One play-offs and the sit in sixth spot, two points ahead of Peterborough United, going into the final-day clash.
Davies sat down with RamsTV to preview the game against Darren Moore's side.
On Sunday's game...
When the fixtures came out at the start of the season, we all thought that this fixture may have something riding on it.
We wanted it to be for us pushing for the top two if we're being totally honest but we still have something to play for and it's a game we look forward to.
You need to be able to beat good teams if you do get in the play-offs and we'll go up there to Hillsborough after a good performance at home to Portsmouth last weekend (Derby drew 1-1) ready and raring to go.
On the different outcomes that could occur on Sunday...
I think we need to take it that it's in our hands. We want to go there and win the game first and foremost and secondly if we were to get there and play Sheffield Wednesday in the Semi-Finals - we could leave a marker.
Ultimately we want to step into the play-offs with a winning mentality. It's easy to rely on others but we can't do that, it's important that we do what we do and perform to our very best. If ever you approach a game to draw or consolidate, it's always a dangerous thing to do.
On Sheffield Wednesday...
I'd be interested to know how they are feeling. Will their heads be down that they got that close to automatic promotion and didn't make it or will they be fully focused on the play-offs?
I think there will be a frustration they aren't already up but in their last home game of the regular season they will want to show just how good they are, especially against a side pushing to be in the top six. They won't want to give us any joy if we are to make it into the play-offs.
On how the group has come together over the course of the season after making so many signings last summer...
As people, I think it has been an easy transition this season. The groups of players that we signed last summer were not only good and experienced players, they were all good people.
The hard bit was the playing style because all these players had been brought in to play a certain way and we changed manager early doors. It was an adaptation stage but once we got to grips with that we went on that run where we were 19 games unbeaten and I think the group has grown and come together stronger from that.
We had 20 new players come in last summer and I think we've done well to get where we are.
