G.M's Match Preview: Who Will Be Clement's Number 1 For Rams In Reading?
Tuesday, 15th Sep 2015 07:54 by George Martin

Derby travel to the Madejski Stadium on the back of their first win of season after a two nil victory at Preston on Saturday.

Clement caused much shock and debate by playing Grant in goal ahead of Carson, who has done little wrong this season. The Derby head coach has said the goalkeeper he names tomorrow will be his number one, so it is anyone's guess who will start in goal for The Rams.

Baird (concussion), Thorne (calf strain) and Bryson (knee) are out injured for Derby. Derby will therefore have to choose a new captain which I am hoping will be Jason Shackell. The ex - Burnley man has done the job before, has proven he has leadership qualities and being made Captain will not have a negative effect on his performance.

If Derby are to stick with a 4-3-2-1 formation then it is likely Hanson will come in for the concussed Baird and play the CDM role. Ince and Russell should continue in the wide roles, with Butterfield and Johnson starting after their competent debuts at the weekend.

Christie should continue at right back, but Clement may opt for the more defensive minded Shotton. Warnock and Forsyth are the options at left back and I would possibly choose Forsyth as Reading have pace out wide, but this would mean chopping and changing a winning team.

Reading will be buzzing from their 5-1 demolition of Ipswich last Friday. Everything they seemed to do came off and they scored some excellent goals. Vydra linked up play, Sa finished well and at times Blackman was unplayable.

Reading trio Michael Hector, Danny Williams and Paolo Hurtado are all available again after returning late from international duty, but they are likely to be added to what should be the same starting eleven. Ferdinand and McShane seem solid at the back as Clarke builds a squad hoping to challenge for the play offs.

Like Derby, Reading have only lost once this season, but sit 5th in the table thanks to a fine 3-1 win away to Brentford. Their only defeat came away to Birmingham City on the opening day of the season.

Until Friday, Reading had struggled to score despite, having a high number of shots (78), so far this season. They have drawn with MK Dons, Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds.

Prediction:

This will be a difficult game for Derby. Reading are in good form and have a number of danger men going forward. Derby will have to be tight at the back and compact in the middle. Both Ince and Russell will have to track and get back early to help out their full back by doubling up on Reading’s tricky wide players.

Derby do not have a good record at Reading and they will have to defend very well to keep them out. Although good going forward, Reading do leave space at the back and Derby will hope to be able to expose this. If they can they have a chance.

Reading will give Derby opportunities. Just as they did against Ipswich in their last game, despite the 5-1 score line.

2-2 and Ince to open his account this season.