Reading were hit for seven last Saturday against Portsmouth at Fratton Park, but thankfully we return to the Madejski Stadium this weekend with a match again Derby. Last time out at the Madejski Stadium James Harper scored a last gasp winner to beat Wigan; this is something that needs to be built on against a fellow struggler.
Vital Quotes:
On the importance of the Derby match, “It is a big game, there’s no point hiding away from it. Every home game this season is significant.
“And after last weekend’s result this takes on an added importance. Going into the international break, whatever result we get will hang over us.”
Reading Team News:
Ibrahima Sonko is back in the squad for the first time since his serious knee injury in January and John Oster is back after his ankle injury. However, Bobby Convey’s thigh problem will keep him out along with Kalifa Cisse and Glen Little, who both went under he knife this week.
Player to watch: Dave Kitson
Reading had a wonderful season last year but had Davie Kitson not been injured for most of it is could have been even better. He has started this season well, and his goal against Portsmouth last Saturday was his third Premier League goal of the season. He is looking sharp and hungry, so he will be a danger to Derby.
Derby Team News:
Giles Barnes looks like starting his first Premier League match of the season. With Derby having a fully fit squad the only decision for Billy Davies is weather to stick with Steve Howard and Kenny Miller up front, or bring in Robert Earnshaw.
Player to watch: Kenny Miller
The Scottish International has made an impact since returning to the English game from Celtic. He marked his Derby debut with a wonderful goal in Derby’s one and only Premier League win so far this season.
Match Facts & Stats
Match Facts & Stats courtesy of the BBC, Reading have dropped only three of the last 24 home league points against Derby.
Home and away: League (inc PL): Reading 9 wins, Derby 6, Draws 3
Prem: Reading 0 wins, Derby 0, Draws 0
At Reading only: League (inc PL): Reading 7 wins, Derby 1, Draws 1
Prem: Reading 0 wins, Derby 0, Draws 0
Ref Watch:
Lee Mason (Lancashire)
Match Prediction:
Simply Reading have to win, if we can’t beat Derby at home then we are in for a real struggle this season.
Next Fixtures:
@ Ewood Park a week Saturday, 15.00.
A must win game, and with it being at home if we don’t then something is very wrong.
You’ll both get relegated with either Bolton or Birmingham.
They might, the Royal’s won’t!
You can never say never, but I agree that Reading won’t be one of the sides that go down, a win today will help ease things.