Derby County face Reading over the weekend, and HITC pundits give their predictions on the likely outcome.
Derby 2-1 Reading
Derby disappointed in last Friday’s match against Leeds, putting in an unusually sub-par performance. Reading dropped points themselves, losing to QPR, and will be vulnerable to suffering another defeat against a determined Rams side.
Derby manager Steve McClaren
Derby 1-2 Reading
The league’s second lowest scorers have failed to hit the net in each of their last three league fixtures, while successive defeats means the gap between The Rams and Reading has widened further. Jaap Stam’s side will only add to Steve McClaren’s misery at the weekend.
Reading manager Jaap Stam
Derby 2-1 Reading
It’s a big game for both these teams following defeat last week. Defeat for the Royals would be a big blow in their chase for automatic promotion, but one has a sneaking suspicion Derby will put in a good performance here.
Derby 1-2 Reading
This could be a rare away win in the Championship this weekend, with Jaap Stam’s Reading side looking very impressive despite a recent setback against QPR. Derby cannot afford to fall further behind the chasing pack but they just may do after this game.
Derby 1-0 Reading
Should be a great game, with both trying to carve out their place in the play-offs. I’d plump for Derby as they’re at home – the Rams’ defence is going to be crucial.
Derby County celebrate
Derby 1-0 Reading
Derby have suffered a minor hiccup in recent weeks, but can close the gap on the pay-offs to at least three points if they beat fourth-place Reading. Jaap Stam’s side have impressed so far, but do they really have the legs?
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