For a match to be labeled as the most important on the final day of a Championship season, considering the unpredictable nature of England's second division, Derby's home game against Stoke fulfills that criteria.
Derby, positioned 19th in the Championship, are in danger of falling into the relegation zone if they do not secure a victory. Stoke, on the other hand, are likely safe even with a loss, although they prefer not to take any risks and hope for results to go their way.
This Saturday's showdown at Pride Park is expected to be filled with excitement, with the home team being the favorites to clinch all three points.
Team news
Derby will be without Ryan Nyambe, Lars-Jorgen Salvesen, David Ozoh, Dajaune Brown, Curtis Nelson, and Jacob Widell Zetterstrom for the upcoming match.
In addition, Jeff Hendrick and Callum Elder will be assessed after sustaining injuries in the previous win over Hull.
Stoke might have to do without Ben Pearson, who was substituted in the defeat to Sheffield United, along with Jordan Thompson, Eric Bocat, Enda Stevens, Sol Sidibe, and Michael Rose.
The stats
Derby have only lost two out of their last 10 matches, winning six times during that period.
Stoke has had a tough time recently, losing their last two matches without scoring a goal. They were defeated 6-0 by Leeds and 2-0 by Sheffield United.
At Pride Park, the Rams have won three of their last five games and drew with promoted Burnley in the same stretch.
Stoke has faced defeat in five of their last seven away matches.
In just one of Derby's last 11 home games, both teams managed to score.
Stoke has only scored twice in their last four away matches.
Prediction
It is not surprising to see that the battle against relegation in the Championship has come down to the final weekend. What is surprising, however, is that Derby holds a better position than Stoke as they approach the decisive day.
Although the Potters were six points ahead of the Rams and the relegation zone after John Eustace's first game in charge, where they suffered a 4-0 loss at QPR, the tables have turned in favor of Derby.
With recent wins over West Brom and Hull boosting their confidence, all Derby need is a victory on the final day to secure their safety, and they appear to be in a good position to claim those vital three points.
While Stoke is in a similar situation, their poor away form - five losses in their last seven matches on the road, conceding 17 goals - makes it challenging to expect a positive outcome in their visit to Pride Park.
Derby's resilience, having lost only two of their last 10 matches and coming off two crucial wins, makes them the favorite to secure a victory and leave Stoke nervously checking the scores from other matches.