AFTER Stuart Attwell found himself embroiled in controversy following his mystifying refereeing at Pride Park last time the two sides met, the powers that be are not taking any risks.

Howard Webb is regarded as the Premiership's top official. Generally trusted with the top games around the country, this will be Webb's second derby action of the week after Monday's Merseyside game.

Webb, whose day job is as a police sergeant in South Yorkshire, is regarded as a man with a calm head when it comes to the big decisions. He can be strict, having dished out 81 yellow and five red cards in 23 matches this season, but is generally seen as fair.