Reading and Derby face up in this months midweek game at the Madejski Stadium. Reading are unbeaten in four while Derby have taken a slight dip in form in recent games, failing to win in three.
Vital Quotes:
Reading boss Brian McDermott – ‘We’re always working as a group, and I think there were eight changes in the team at Burnley from the team in the play-off final. We’re working with the team we’ve got, we’ve got a real solid group and we always talk about the group.’
Derby manager Nigel Clough -We just want to keep getting those points on the board. Tonight is a chance to add another three, or one, to our tally if we can.’
Reading Team News:
Reading winger Jimmy Kebe could play some part in tonight’s game with captain Jobi McAnuff a big doubt after an ankle injury suffered against Burnley. Despite midfielder Jay Tabb being given the OK from being unconscious against Burnley, he will not be playing a part.
Possible Reading XI: Federici, Cummings, Pearce, Gorkss, Mills, Hunt, Karacan, Leigertwood, Robson-Kanu, Church, Le Fondre
Player to watch: Adam Le Fondre
The sharp forward is quickly making the transition to the Championship by putting in some fine performances. Very unlucky not to score and get a penalty against Burnley.
Derby Team News:
Derby will be without regular right-back John Brayford who has an injury so Anderson will against deputise. Top scorer Steven Davies picked up an injury last week so the Rams will be without him. Former Royal Nathan Tyson is a major doubt.
Player to watch: Ben Davies
The former Notts County midfielder is a dead-ball specialist and will be sure to cause problems for the Royals with his set pieces.
Last 5 fixtures:
Reading 2 – 1 Derby – 7/5/2011 – Championship
Derby 1 – 3 Reading – 18/12/10 – Championship
Reading 4 – 1 Derby – 10/3/2010 – Championship
Derby 2 – 1 Reading – 28/11/2009 – Championship
Derby 0 – 2 Reading – 21/04/2009 – Championship
Match Prediction:
With Derby starting to take a hitch in form, I’m going to go for a narrow Royals victory.
Next Fixtures:
Reading – Southampton (H) – 22nd October
Derby – Middlesbrough (A) – 22nd October
