Predicted Derby County XI to face Reading in the Championship
Derby County progressed to the fourth round of the FA Cup with a penalty shootout victory over Southampton in the replay on Wednesday and Frank Lampard’s men will be looking to continue their winning run when they play host to Reading in the Championship on Saturday.
The Rams have been in a poor run of form in the Championship over the festive period, winning only one of their last five games and they will be hoping to string together some good performances to push for automatic promotion.
Derby currently sit 6th in the standings, 7 points behind Sheffield United for the second automatic promotion spot and they will be the favourites to bag all three points against relegation contenders Reading.
Team News
Frank Lampard will be expected to make a few changes to the line-up that played in the FA Cup. Harry Wilson and Mason Bennett returned from injuries against Southampton and should be a part of the matchday squad for the weekend fixture while Curtis Davies (Achilles tendon), Craig Forsyth (cruciate ligament) and Marcus Olsson (cruciate ligament) are all ruled out.
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Frank Lampard
Predicted XI
1. Scott Carson (GK)
The veteran did not play a part in the FA Cup tie but he will be expected to take his position between the sticks against Reading.
2. Jayden Bogle (RB)
The youngster looked really sharp and confident in the FA Cup and Lampard should hand him a start ahead of Andre Wisdom.
3. Richard Keogh (CB)
He defended really well against Southampton and has always been a familiar face at the heart of the defence.
4. Fikayo Tomori (CB)
The Chelsea loanee had a good outing in the FA Cup and should once again be amongst the starters for this one.
5. Scott Malone (LB)
He was impressive with his work rate up and down the pitch on Wednesday and should get a start at the weekend as well.
6. Tom Huddlestone (CM)
He looked really comfortable on the ball and dictated the proceedings in the middle of the park in the FA Cup.
7. Craig Bryson (RAM)
He didn’t do too much wrong against Southampton and was unlucky to have his goal ruled out by the VAR.
8. Mason Mount (LAM)
The Chelsea man has been one of the mainstays of Derby’s midfield this season and he once again played his part by finding those pockets of space against Southampton.
9. Tom Lawrence (LW)
Harry Wilson played over 100 minutes in the FA Cup on his return from injury so Lampard might just want him to start from the bench against Reading.
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10. Duane Holmes (RW)
Waghorn had a good game against Southampton but Lampard might rotate his squad to hand the American a start.
11. Jack Marriott (ST)
He wasn’t particularly influential against Southampton and Derby will need him to fire on all cylinders this weekend.
