Manager Nigel Clough wants Derby to emulate Cardiff by regularly competing for the play-off places in the npower Championship.
Cardiff, who Clough's side face in south Wales on Tuesday night, go into the game in sixth position in the table and are on course for a third consecutive appearance in the play-offs.
"They always seem to be at the right end of the table," said Clough. "They are somebody who we are looking to emulate. Can we get in that top half, top eight, top six regularly season after season?"
Derby, with 60 points on the board this season, have already accumulated their highest points tally since Clough became manager in January 2009 and are on course for their highest finish under the former Burton Albion boss.
