Team news & predicted XIs – Derby vs Reading

It’s a quick turnaround from our morale-boosting midweek win against Forest, as we have a trip up to the Midlands to face an in-form Derby County.

Derby are looking rather healthy on the injury front, with striker Darren Bent the only long-term injury absentee. Defender Max Lowe is also missing for the hosts. Striker David Nugent should return from illness, but Sam Winnall should retain his place up front.

We still have several injuries to contend with. Strikers Joseph Mendes and Jón Dadi Bödvarsson are both missing still. Winger Callum Harriott is also still sidelined, while Jordan Obita is very unlikely to play again this season after successful ACL surgery.

Central defender Tiago Ilori could return after missing the Forest game with the nasty head injury he suffered against Middlesbrough. Midfielder Joey van den Berg is a doubt after coming out against Forest, while academy graduates Sam Smith and Liam Kelly are both also doubts.

Predicted Derby XI – 4-4-1-1: Carson; Wisdom, Keogh, Davies, Forsyth; Lawrence, Huddlestone, Ledley, Johnson; Vydra; Winnall.

Predicted Reading XI – 4-3-3: Mannone; Gunter, Moore, McShane, Blackett; Bacuna, Edwards, Swift; Aluko, Kermorgant, Barrow.