Derby will look to progress into the last 16 of the League Cup when they host Reading at the iPro stadium tonight.
The performance against Cardiff on Saturday was good, but not managing to score the first goal proved costly, in what should have been three points.
Whitbread losing a header at the far post from a Cardiff corner, led to the first goal while poor decision making and defending from he and Forsyth led to the second. A good fight back was then the order of the day, but although this provided great excitement, many fans will have felt disappointed and frustrated at the final whistle.
Derby will field a strong side, but there are likely to be three or four changes. Mascarell should come in for Eustace in the CDM role. Ibe could be given a start after impressing on Saturday and there could also be starts for Best and Russell as Derby will look to rest Ward's hamstring and use the squad rotation system.
Up until Saturday, when Reading lost 1-0 away to Sheffield Wednesday, Reading were on a four game winning streak. This result could have been different, had on loan striker Glenn Murray not had his penalty saved in the first half with the game still at 0-0, and unfortunate to lose to a late deflected free kick.
Reading's results were a little mixed at the very start of the season, but they are currently in form. This means it will be another test of Derby's resolve.
Derby still needs to cut out the errors and take more of their chances earlier in a match.
Reading may look to utilise their squad but have many good options going forward with Cox, Murray, Mackie and Pogrebnyak. Norwood is a good player in midfield and Pearce a solid defender at the back.
Both teams will be able to play with no fear and without the pressures of competing for the top 6 in The Championship. Personally, I am looking forward to a team coming to the iPro wanting to play football and actually try to win, unlike Ipswich or Cardiff.
Hopefully the pace of Ibe and Russell if he starts, will be too much for Reading. The passing ability of Mascarell and Hughes will make a difference when the game becomes stretched later on as Reading tire. Mascarell needs to make sure the passes he makes are in the oppositions half and not be forced to take the ball off Keogh and Whitbread too deep.
I think it will be a close game and could go to extra time, but I am gong to go for a home win - just.
Enjoy the game.
COYR!
Derby - 9th ( W, D, D, W, D ): Outclassed and outplayed Cardiff on Saturday. Frustrating to only get a point when you manage 600 passes to 160 and manage nearly 75% of possession. Heaven help Reading if Derby can replicate that form as well as hit the back of the net. Still only lost one match this season,
Derby and Reading are no strangers to League Cup meetings, having been paired on 2 occasions before today. In 1994 The Rams were triumphant while in 1965 the honours went to Reading.
If the Rams can secure victory — it will be the first time they have won through to the Semi Finals since the 2008/09 cup when they famously lost to Manchester United at Old Trafford after taking a 1 goal lead into the away leg courtesy of a Commons screamer.
Reading — 11th (L, W, W, W, L): A bit like the Rams, Reading have had a good but not spectacular start to the season. A run of three consecutive League wins was halted away at Sheffield Wednesday on the weekend.
Reading have had the wood on Derby in recent times having only lost once in their last 14 matches, winning 10 and drawing 3.
The Royals have won 4 of their last 6 Cup ties with a total of 22 goals in their last 4 outings. Perhaps we will have an old fashioned shoot out at the iPro!?
Reading 0 vs. 0 Derby
Madejski Stadium
Saturday 15th March 2014
Derby 3 vs. 0 Reading
The Baseball Ground
Division 2 — 13th January 1996
Derby Coach Paul Simpson previews the League Cup clash:
COYR!!