Reading vs. Derby e-Derby Preview

Article by e-Derby County Correspondent Chris Harrison

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With Derby suffering their first run without a win, under Mclaren, the Rams will be looking to bounce back against a Reading team who have 2 wins in their last 6 games. The last of Readings wins coming in the 4-2 away victory over Leeds at Elland road. With both teams out of form Reading will have the most confidence with the recent result, as well as the record they hold over the Rams. Derby have not won in 7 games against the Royals, who beat the Rams 3-1 at Pride Park earlier in the season.

The East Midlands club are due a change of luck, that according to Rams manager Steve Mclaren. That may have to be the case as Derby will travel with all but one, of the same squad that played against Bolton in midweek. The Rams have allowed Mason Bennett to join Chesterfield on a month’s loan to ensure he receives valuable game time. Derby may freshen things up in midfield with George Thorne biding his time for an opportunity of a first team start. Derby also have options out wide with Simon Dawkins, Jamie Ward, Johny Russell and Patrick Bamford all looking to secure one of the 2 positions out wide.

With the early bird deadline for season tickets up on Sunday, a rare away win at Reading may see a surge in sales. The Rams will be well supported at the Madejski Stadium, having sold most of their allocation. It is vital the Derby supporters continue to back their team even during the worst spell of form since Nigel Clough was sacked in September.

It’s worth noting that if both teams finish in the league standings they currently hold; prior to kick off, it may not be the last both teams meet before the season ends. The current league positions would pit the Royals V the Rams in the 2 leg Semi Finals playoffs.

Derby has recently made appointments to their academy coaching staff, in former players Chris Riggott and Rory Delap. Hopefully with the experience of these 2 Derby will have more academy graduates to choose for the starting XI. Derby will have 3 of their graduates in the matchday squad, with Will Hughes (returning after injury), Jeff Hendrick and Mark O’Brien all available to Steve Mclaren’s side.

Derby may have a poor record against Nigel Adkins side but the tide has to change sometime and Derby has to get back to winning ways. If Derby can win the midfield battles and get good service into the forwards then they will have a chance of getting something from the game. With Forest at home the following week, a win away would be a huge boost to the promotion charge. Hopefully I’ll get the chance to report on a Rams win for the first time.

Come on you Rams!!

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