John Eustace has changed the fortunes of Derby County ace - he's been superb | OneFootball

Jacob Widell Zetterstrom had a few difficulties at the end of Paul Warne's reign, but his form has recovered in recent weeks.

There are just four games to go in the 2024/25 Championship campaign, and Derby County know exactly what they have to do to retain their second tier status for another year.

The Rams were held to a 2-2 draw against Portsmouth at Fratton Park on Saturday afternoon, as Jerry Yates netted his ninth goal of the season before Rob Atkinson scored twice for his Pompey team, as well as putting the ball into his own goal to see the points shared on the south coast.

John Eustace's side have lost just one of their last seven matches in the league, picking up 14 points during that time - form that would see a team promoted over the course of an entire year - and with a favourable run-in, they must fancy their chances of surviving.

The 45-year-old had a huge task on his hands when he arrived at the club back in February, but Derby look defensively solid and a threat going forward, while the performances of their goalkeeper, Jacob Widell Zetterstrom, have gone from strength to strength.

Eustace has helped turn Zetterstrom's form around

Luton Town await the Rams on Good Friday at home, before they face back-to-back away trips against West Bromwich Albion and Hull City, with Pride Park the venue for their final match of the season against Stoke City.

There is a huge amount of positivity spreading across this Derby team right now, and this was on full show on Saturday when Zetterstrom was able to deny Colby Bishop the opener from the spot inside the opening 10 minutes.

It was a crucial save, and one that defined the form that the Swedish 'keeper finds himself in right now, as he later halted Christian Saydee with a smart stop with his feet.

Improvements are being seen across the pitch in black-and-white, but Zetterstrom looks to be a different player compared to the one that Eustace first saw, with the 26-year-old full of confidence since he started working with his new goalkeeping coach, Paul Clements.

One of the biggest concerns with the £1.4m man was his distribution, and he often found his goal kicks and clearances heading out for throw-ins. However, while this still happens on the odd occasion, it is clear to see that he is finding more consistency in this part of his game, which is allowing Derby to start attacks in different ways.

Derby need Zetterstrom to continue his form in the final four games

The fight for survival in the Championship looks as though it is going to go to the final day of the season, and while the Rams do have an advantage over the bottom three, it is a slender one.

Just one point separates themselves and Cardiff City, while Luton and Plymouth Argyle are three behind, and they can put further pressure on the Hatters with a win on Friday.

Clean sheets have become more regular for Zetterstrom over the course of the last few weeks, and if he can add to that tally in Derby's last four matches, then his side may just have enough to see out their task.

Eustace will be extremely proud of his players' efforts in the last couple of months, and he will be hoping that his number one will be doing his now trademark forward roll celebration in front of the South Stand after the Stoke game.