Reading vs Derby County Prediction & Betting Tips - Championship

Prediction published on 31/07/2018, 17:02  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 31/07/2018 at 18:02 in Championship Predictions

Derby County lost in the play-off semi-finals last season going down to Fulham who went on to win promotion to the Premier League. They have a new manager for this season with the former England international Frank Lampard taking his first managerial job since retiring. His bosses will be expecting his side to at least make it into the play-offs again this season and they have made several signings during the summer. That includes midfielder George Evans who they have just signed from their opponents in this game and he could well make his Derby debut against his old team. Mason Mount, Harry Wilson, Florian Jozefzoon and Jack Marriott.have also been signed and it might take a few games for the new players to gel.

Last season Reading had a tough time and ended just two places and three points above the bottom three. Pre-season has been a bit of a disaster for them with no wins in six games and have failed to score in three of their last four matches. Overall, Reading have gone 11 games without a win and they have a tough early-season fixture list starting with this home match against Derby County. There have been new signings including strikers Sam Baldock from Brighton and Hove Albion and Marc McNulty from Coventry. Their big problem last season was in defence with 70 goals conceded and only four teams conceded more. It's not been a good start for Reading and Derby look the stronger side here, so the tip is for them to begin life under Lampard with an away win.