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G.M's Match Preview: Rams Goal Must Be Goals At Reading
Saturday, 15th Mar 2014 06:02 by George Martin

Derby faces a stern test away to Reading in a top 6 play off clash The Madejski Stadium. After the disappointment of Millwall, Derby bounced back well against an in form Bolton side.

Derby passed the ball around with more purpose, but what let them down in the final third was often the final pass, shot, cross of piece of control. Some people call this bad luck. On this occasion I disagree. The amount of possession and ball Ward and Dawkins received should have resulted in carving out some clear cut opportunities for themselves or others, but unfortunately it was not to be. Their effort is a credit, the quality, not quite there this time.

Derby again went for broke in the final fifteen minutes with Sammon and Bamford coming off the bench. The best chance fell to Sammon when in the centre of goal, eight yards out on his left foot. My friend did not even get out his seat when he saw Sammon had a chance. I think that says it all. Harsh, but the guy is simply not a goal scorer and in my view not consistently good enough over the course of a season for a top six finish.

For Derby, Hughes comes back into contention after an ankle knock. Hendrick may be the unlucky one to miss out or Hughes may have to settle for a place on the bench after McClaren's recent praise of Hendrick. Dawkins and Ward are likely to remain in the wide roles and Eustace in the defensive midfield position.

Since Birmingham away, Derby has defended much better as individuals and a unit, but this has meant the goals have dried up at the other end. This has also coincided with teams realising our attacking prowess and altering their formations and style of play to 'stop us playing', thus stop us scoring.

Reading has doubts over midfielder Danny Williams, striker Pavel Pogrebnyak and ex red dog winger Garath McCleary. Ex England left back Wayne Bridge and Sean Morrison (both knee) are close to returning from lengthy lay-offs. They have some good attacking players in Robson - Kanu, Drenthe and McAnuff as well as Le Fondre on the bench. I have always also been impressed with Pogrebnyak, so we will see if he is fit to start.

Generally, Derby does not have a great record against Reading, having been on the end of a convincing 3-1 defeat at Pride Park in September. Reading has won five of the last six meetings, drawing the other one. Derby's last win was 2-1 at home in November 2009. Reading have also won five of the last six meetings at the Madejski Stadium, drawing the other one. Derby's last win there was 1-0 in January 2005. Not a good record in the last decade.

However, Reading have, like Derby, dipped in form recently only winning one in the last four and have not won at home in the past three games, losing two.

I believe it will be an open game that Derby will not want to lose. If we do, the play off gap will close with Wigan in form and games in hand.

Derby will hope for a positive, purposeful start, whilst keeping it tight at the back. The players will hope to get a foothold in the game and produce better quality in the final third. This should produce more clear cut chances.

I am going to go for a 1-1 draw.


Current Form — Last 5 League Matches:

Reading (6th): W, L, D, D, W

Derby (3rd): W, W, L, L, D


The Stats That Matter:

The Rams were proving to be quick starters this season with 25 of their goal tally coming in the first 45 minutes of matches up until their last 13 matches during which time they have only managed 1.

The goals have dried up for the Rams over the last couple of months after being the leading scorers in the Championship for most of the season. Leicester have now overtaken them on 65 goals with Derby stuck on 60 after failing to score in their last 3 outings.

Steve McClaren has collected 50 points of a possible 69 points as Rams Head Coach with his team only losing 2 of their last 9 matches.

Derby has accumulated 31 points from their 17 away games, with only Leicester having done better this season on the road.

Reading has the wood on The Rams in recent times with wins in 5 of the last 6 clashes. November 2009 being the last time Derby were victorious but you have to go back to 2005 for the last time they beat Reading at the Madejski.

Derby have not won in the last 3 matches while Reading’s form has not been much better, having won only once in their last 4 matches.

Reading has not won any of their last 3 home matches with their last being in late January.


Classic Clash — Reading vs. Rams:

3rd of January 2005 - Madejski Stadium


Head Coach Preview — Video

COYR!!




Photo: Action Images



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