The Royals will battle the Rams at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday. The Rams will hope to continue their consistent start to the season and look to consolidate their position in the heights of the table. Nigel Adkins’ men will look to get their season back on track following a stop-start campaign so far.
Despite the visitors victory over their hosts earlier in the campaign with a 2-0 triumph in the League Cup, it has been Reading who have enjoyed this fixture more in recent years, winning 5 of the last 7 league games. Derby haven’t won at the Madejski in 9 years but may see tomorrow’s game as one of their best chances to break this duck.
The home side still have substantial injury concerns, with a number of long term first team absentees still remaining on the treatment table. Danny Guthrie is 50/50 following the slight injury picked up against Brentford, and may miss out in this game. Karacan, Williams, McCleary and Ferdinand will all be missing out for the game at the Madejski. Nigel Adkins will want his team to get out of its current rut, which has left the team win-less in 5 games and slipping down the table gradually, with the Royals now in 14th position.
In stark contrast to the home side, Derby have been one of the teams to beat this season so far. The Rams missed out on a chance to go top of the table ahead of the international break with a frustrating 0-0 draw at home to Millwall. McClaren’s side have substantially smaller injury woes in comparison to the home side, with the former England boss having a relatively complete squad to pick from for the game this Saturday. Even a draw with other games going their way could see the Rams finish the weekend at the summit of the table.
