When : Monday 5th April 2021, 3pm
Where : Madejski Stadium, Reading, RG2 0FL
Capacity : 24,161
Wayne’s boys next for a game which really Reading must win, failure to do so may well really spell the end of a play off finish unless some outstanding results can produced in the subsequent games.
Derby’s current form is not particularly good but after the start to their season where it was not until December when they managed to a) win a second league game and b) win a home game it’s probably seen as not too bad. It should be noted however that that first home win was against Swansea and also their first league win was at Norwich so there is talent in their squad that can beat the best in the division on the day.
Currently though the Rams have slipped back into struggle mode with just one win (last time out at home to Luton) from their last 8 games. Add to this the reported collapse of the latest take over bid from a Saudi consortium and things are pretty depressing for Derby fans at this moment. However they need to fight for every point as they’re not out of relegation battle yet so my guess is this game is going to be just as hard as any other in this league.
Colin Kazim-Richards is leading goalscorer with 7 strikes while deadline day saw 5 loan arrivals in Lee Gregory, George Edmundson, Teden Mengi, Beni Baningime and Patrick Roberts turn up and all have contributed to the team so far.
Injuries will rob Derby of Krystian Bielik and Jordan Ibe while Martyn Waghorn and Lee Gregory are both doubts after the over Luton. Reading will be without Morrison again while Felipe Araruna continues to be near to a return.
Referee
Reading are so good this season they’re now getting PL referees for their league games. Jonathan Moss has been handed the reins for this one which will be his first Reading game fin just over 8 years. Let’s hope the boys can turn in a PL level performance.
Previously
09 Mar 2013 > Reading 1-2 Aston Villa
08 Dec 2012 > Southampton 1-0 Reading
22 Oct 2011 > Reading 1-1 Southampton
08 Jan 2011 > Reading 1-0 West Bromwich Albion (FA Cup)
31 Jan 2009 > Queens Park Rangers 0-0 Reading
01 Nov 2008 > Bristol City 1-4 Reading
Historically
This will be the 22nd visit from Derby for a league game in Reading and all have been played since September 1984.
Reading have the upper hand on Derby with almost as twice as many wins across all league games (22) as their more illustrious opponents. However while Reading have that upper hand and have recorded 12 home wins to Derby’s 4 away wins the fact is that Reading have only won one of the previous 8 home games against Derby.
How to follow the game
- Listen to Radio 5 Live and/or a myriad of other radio stations for score flashes
- Ring/text a mate for updates
- Use an iFollow subscription
- BBC Radio Berkshire (FM : 104.4, 104.1 or 95.4 depending where you are in the area)