Derby County are set to take the next step in their push for League One promotion as they welcome Reading to Pride Park.
Derby County are preparing for huge back-to-back home games as the League One promotion battle heats up. The Rams will welcome both Reading and Bolton Wanderers to Pride Park in the space of a few days, in search of more points.
Paul Warne‘s team are off the back of consecutive 3-0 victories, dismissing of Port Vale and Bristol Rovers. With confidence and form hitting at the right time, the east Midlands outfit have nine games to cling onto second for a return to the Championship.
Reading are their next challenge, as Derby County News spoke with Reading Chronicle writer James Earnshaw to discuss the tie.
Reading ownership
Derby fans will know all too well the trials and tribulations surrounding ownership in recent years. The Rams entered into administration in September 2021, as former owner Mel Morris handed in the keys to the club as debts piled up.
Nine months of uncertainty followed as failed takeovers came and went without a sniff of hope for the club. Fan protests and marches took place, until there was finally some good news surrounding David Clowes‘ purchase of the Rams.
It was a near-miss and similar is being felt in the case of Reading with their own ownership. “For those that don’t know, Dai Yongge [Reading owner] has gone from reckless spending in his first three years to no spending for the last 18 months,” Earnshaw explained.
“Which has seen winding-up petitions, late wages, five years of transfer embargoes and 18 points deducted. Having put the training ground ‘on the market’ on Sunday, it is very clear that asset-stripping is on his mind while any takeover news seems to have dried up.”
It’s a desperate situation for a fellow club to find itself in, with recent news impacting the feel around the Royals. Earnshaw continued: “The mood is somewhat deflated with the latest off-field revelations, which is frustrating as it had been so positive in the build-up to last week’s defeat to Wycombe Wanderers. Supporters are beginning to lose faith, and when you lose hope, what have you got left?”
For Reading, the situation surrounding a takeover may be clearer once they confirm their league status, assuming they are able to limp along until the end of the season, with fans doing all they can to ensure survival.
Tactical setup
Reading find themselves 18th in League One, which is rather deceptive from their actual results, which would have them in mid-table if it were not for points deductions. With a young squad at his disposal, manager Ruben Selles is looking to do his best in keeping the team afloat.
On the tactical profile of the side, Earnshaw said: “4-2-3-1 is most-likely how the side will line-up, with Michael Craig or Charlie Savage the only question marks, with ten of the 11 [starting players] pretty much set. High-press and direct football are common themes since his move away from 4-2-2-2 in the first few months of the campaign.”
Warne has been on the receiving end of that tactical switch himself in January, as his side fell to a 1-0 defeat at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. The Rams were far from their best, struggling to play through the Royals on a night that lacked quality.
“Reading played solidly against the Rams for the home win, and could have scored more than the one scruffy rebound they did put in,” Earnshaw claimed when discussing the last meeting. “The bottom line is that Derby were well off the pace, and look to be hitting form at the right time. I’m expecting a very different evening at Pride Park.”
Reading key players
Reading are restricted in the transfer market, but they do have plenty of quality throughout the squad. Earnshaw stated: “Femi Azeez, Harvey Knibbs and Lewis Wing are the key stars, all of which are very good performers in League One. Can be somewhat inconsistent, but that’s what makes them third tier players and not higher.”
Derby County vs Reading score prediction
James Earnshaw prediction: Derby County 2-0 Reading.
Luke Thrower prediction: Derby County 2-0 Reading.
Derby County vs Reading stats
Head-to-head:
- Number of match ups: 53
- Derby County wins: 16
- Draws: 10
- Reading wins: 27
Reading form: Two wins, zero draws, three defeats. 50 goals for, 55 against, -5 goal difference.
Derby County form: Three wins, zero draws, two defeats. 66 goals for, 33 against, +33 goal difference.
Last meeting: Reading 1-0 Derby County – 23 January, 2024.