Like gatecrashers at a wedding, Derby arrive at the Madjeski this Saturday hoping to spoil the promotion party.
To say that Reading have strolled the Championship is an understatement – Steve Coppell’s men haven’t once wavered in their quest for the top flight, a quest that culminated in guaranteed promotion last week at Leicester – the first time in their 135 year history.
With the home side suffering only 2 defeats all season, it’s at tough as it gets for the Rams – let’s hope for a surprising turn in fortune on the road for Terry Westley’s men.
Vital Quotes:
Speaking to www.dcfc.com, caretaker manager Terry Westley said ‘The same 11 will start the game on Saturday and we are delighted that we can pick the same players again’ before adding ‘They deserve it as they have been training very hard and very well’.
Reading Team News:
England Under-21 striker Leroy Lita is out for the rest of the season, although influential midfielder Steve Sidwell is expected to return to the starting 11 after injury – tricky wide man Glen Little may miss out with a back problem.
Player to watch: Kevin Doyle
What a dream 1st season for the Wexford-born striker – he has taken the Championship in his stride with a series of excellent performances, and a current tally of 15 goals to boot.
Derby County Team News:
As previously mentioned, the Rams are expected to be unchanged from last week’s win over Palace – however Marc Edworthy is injured so drops out of the squad, and is replaced by 17 year old Academy product Mitch Hanson.
Player to watch: Giles Barnes
As both he & Nyatanga grow in stature with each game, it will be interesting to see how they compete against the best side in the division – and Barnes will not have come up against anybody tougher than Sidwell in his fledgling career. Get in there Giles!!
Match Facts & Stats
Derby recorded one of their best wins of the season last year at the Madjeski, a Tommy Smith goal giving them all 3 points on a cold January afternoon.
In the reverse fixture this season, Derby earned a 2-2 draw and were perhaps unlucky not to get all 3 points – a late Shane Long goal denying the Rams after Seth Johnson had netted twice, and Andrew Davies had been sent off.
Ref Watch:
Anthony Bates (Staffs) – not reffed the Rams for nearly 7 years – we beat Swansea 3-1 that day so fingers crossed………….
Match Prediction:
Promotion party? Ok, so there’ll be singing, dancing etc. – and I think the Royals party mood may cause them to take the foot off the pedal – I’m going for a sneaky 1-0 win for Derby!!!
Next Fixtures:
Derby v Millwall
Saturday 8th April 2006 (3:00)
Pride Park Stadium