G.M's MatchDay Preview: A Tough Test Awaits Rams At Reading
Saturday, 18th Oct 2014 12:44 by George Martin

Derby faces a tough away trip to the Madejski Stadium, the first of three games in seven days, after two weeks off.

A number of Derby players have been on international duty with Hughes, Ward and Hendrick all hitting the headlines because of their impressive contributions.

If they and Keogh are injury free, Derby look set to continue with the 4-3-2-1 formation with Keogh and Whitbread filling the centre half roles and Eustace playing just in front to protect the back four. Shotton could possibly come in as there will likely be a lively threat from Cox while Buxton is also very close to fitness, but the recent clean sheets will mean it will be more difficult for him to slip straight back in.

Hughes and Bryson will look to fill the central roles, but Hendrick will be pushing for a starting spot. Ibe should be fully recuperated from illness after playing a number of games in a short space of time before the international break. His pace and skill in a tough away game, will be important in this fixture. Jamie Ward will be full of confidence having scored for Northern Ireland in midweek, so should fill the other wide position.

For Reading, Danny Guthrie is a slight doubt, but could return after a hamstring strain. Reading possesses a good goalkeeper in Frederici and experience in defence with Pearce, Hector and Gunter likely to start.

Going forward they have many options with on loan Palace striker Glenn Murray likely to start. Who partners him is anyone's guess. It is likely to be Cox, but could also be Progrebnyak. Expect Mackie to try and make an impact from the bench if things are not going the hosts way.

Reading have not won any their last five games in all competitions, but their league home record this season and recent history against Derby is good. Derby's 2-0 win in the league cup a few weeks ago was their first in eight attempts.

It is likely to be a tough away trip for Derby against a team with a good home record. Although they were defeated by the Rams in the League Cup, they did play some reasonably good football and were, at times a threat. That night Derby were just too much for them and were superior going forward.

Reading is aiming for a top six finish, so it will be a tight game. One goal could well decide it, but I am going to go for a well earned and hard fought score draw.

COYR!!

League Form / Match Stats:

Reading - 13th (W,L,D,D,L):

Reading hold the upper hand in recent League clashes against The Rams having not lost in the last 7 with 5 wins and 2 draws. On top of that they have an identical record at the Madejski with 5 wins and 2 draws from the last 7 League matches at the venue.

They will need to find some of that form history against The Rams as this season they have not won in their last 5 matches. Despite this they still have only lost 1 match at home this season so may prove a stern test for Derby to break down on the road.

Derby - 4th (W,D,W,W,D):

Despite their poor recent record against Reading - Derby did win the last time they met in the League Cup just under a month ago.

With only 1 loss this season - if Derby can convert draws to wins - then they may find themselves on the fast track to promotion. Part of that impressive start to the season has been solid form on the road which included wins at Blackburn and Bolton in their last two away fixtures.