Reading v Derby Preview

Both these sides were relegated from the top flight at the end of last season yet started this campaign quite differently. Reading have been in good form since day one, yet it took time for opponents Derby to acclimatize to this league and it’s only due to recent form that they find themselves in the top half.

Reading looked almost unbeatable a few weeks ago with some fantastic form putting them within touching distance of Wolves and Birmingham. However, a draw against QPR and a defeat at Burnley brought them back to earth, although it would be fair to say they responded in spectacular fashion last weekend. Despite being against a Bristol City side aiming for promotion themselves, the Royals absolutely romped past the Ashton Gate outfit in a 4-1 win. Kevin Doyle and Noel Hunt both grabbed goals in that game to take their tallies for the season to eleven and seven respectively, meaning that Steve Coppell has two strikers bang in form and will be hoping for more of the same in this fixture.

As for Derby, manager Paul Jewell may just about have calmed down following his side’s 1-1 draw with fierce rivals Nottingham Forest. The Rams’ boss was incensed after seeing his side denied two perfectly legal goals by referee Stuart Atwell and those dropped points meant that Derby’s push for the play offs was halted. However, let’s not get away from their unbelievable form over the last few weeks that has now catapulted them into 9th position. If there ever was an example not to sack your manager when the going gets tough, this is it. Jewell’s men have lost just once in eleven and after early teething problems with his new look squad, things look to be coming together. New signings Rob Hulse and Paul Green are in great form with five and four goals respectively, while the Pride Park outfit have also looked stable at the back. However, the real test will undoubtedly come against the free scoring Royals this weekend.

In regards to team news, it’s a completely different story for both managers. Steve Coppell has absolutely no new problems and is likely to name an unchanged side from last week, while Paul Jewell has a few headaches. Its defenders where the Derby boss is running into trouble, with both Martin Albretchson and Dean Leacock ruled out through injuries. With both playing at centre half, it’ll be interesting to see what reshuffling Jewell does.

This game has draw written all over it. Reading may have trounced Bristol City last week but Derby are in top form themselves and we can’t see either side losing. We’ll go for the entertaining 2-2 score line.