Reading will not relish their tip to the iPro as they arrive in average form while in contrast the home team have been flying.

It is hard to know what squad will line up for Derby as McClaren will want to win but at the same time - has players that he will want to get some game time into.

The biggest return for the Rams would be George Thorne who has missed all of the season so far with a knee injury. The defensive midfielder was influential in the Rams rise up the table last season and fans have been counting down the days till he returns. After hit outs for the U21’s he will be close to being ready for a call up but McClaren may prefer the bench than a starting spot for George.

Bryson, Dawkins, Warnock, Shotton and Lingard are all chances for a starting spot — especially if McClaren wants to freshen up his regular starting line-up.

Bent is likely to lead the line with Martin out injured for a few weeks, and as a regular scorer when playing in the FA Cup, Reading will need to keep an eye on the Rams striker.

For Reading Danny Guthrie should return from a groin injury but new recent signing Yakubu may battle to take his spot after breaking his nose at Leeds in their midweek clash.

It’s hard to see Derby being rolled by Reading as they have outclassed them in their 2 most recent encounters and have looked a far better side this season.

But of course this is the FA cup which means that teams throw caution to the wind and go for the win at all cost. If Reading can frustrate the Rams then they may have a chance to cause an upset — but you feel the class the Rams will have on field and bench will be telling over the full 90 minutes.

I would like to see Lingard and Warnock given a run but that will depend on how important McClaren considers continuing his teams cup run.

The answer that question will come as soon as the team line up is revealed.

For me it’s a comfortable Derby win that will see the Rams progress further in a competition that is more wide open than it has been for many years - due to some of the heavyweights having already been knocked out.

3 - 0 including 2 goals for Bent and 1 for Bryson.

COYR!!

League Form / Match Stats:

Derby — 3rd (W, L, W, W, D):

The Rams have won 8 and drawn 1 of their last 9 matches in all competitions and have only lost 1 of their last 8 at home.

Darren Bent is an experienced cup campaigner with an impressive scoring record with 8 goals in his last 9 cup appearances.

Reading — 14th (L, D, W, W, L):

Reading have never played Derby in FA Cup fixture but overall have met the Rams and have 36 times for 16 wins, 6 draws and 20 losses. Reading have not scored in their last 3 matches against Derby including when they met in the League Cup earlier this season.

Derby County Polls