The Tilehurst End - Reading FC 3-0 Derby County: Full CoverageReading FC blog run by fans, for fans.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52568/tte_fav.png2019-12-23T10:00:00+00:00http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/rss/stream/207977762019-12-23T10:00:00+00:002019-12-23T10:00:00+00:00View From The Dolan: Mince Pies And Rainy Chaos
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<img alt="Soccer - Sky Bet Championship - Reading v Middlesbrough - Madejski Stadium" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hQd227x-Yt5ipyFtx4d7p9bt1Ic=/0x0:5184x3456/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65958239/699260694.jpg.0.jpg" />
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<p>Ben’s latest offbeat look at the Mad Stad atmosphere, this time from a thoroughly enjoyable home win. </p> <p id="J5fTYj">I like Christmas. I welcome it. It’s pleasant. What isn’t pleasant is when organisations that aren’t shops or churches get involved in trying to make things ‘Christmassy’. Imagine my chagrin then when I discovered that the club were offering free dodgems and mince pies to everyone......OUTSIDE THE DOLAN!! </p>
<p id="EaKmSE">On approach to the ground, I could hear the garage music and see the neon lights. As I walked past the stale mince pies that were being dished out, I felt sorry for the people who’d been taken in by the offer and wished their stomachs a speedy recovery upon eating the freebie. Any mince pie that’s free isn’t worth having, trust me. With that rant out of the way, I shall begin.</p>
<p id="U3uQ2i">Regular readers will know that I <a href="https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/12/9/21001565/view-from-the-dolan-stand-dreary-brum-defeat-reading-fc-royals">attributed the loss to Brum to two things</a>: my missing bobble hat and the lack of bubbly Santa chocolates from M&S. Both of these elements were back in play for this fixture and after reading the <a href="https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/12/20/21025981/view-from-the-town-end-derby-county-reading-fc-royals">article from our friends at Derby County Blog in the week</a>, I was 99% sure we’d win. And what a win! Aside from the fact that Derby have been utterly shambolic both on and off the field this season, Reading deserved the three points. </p>
<p id="veHVcM">Tom Lawrence should be nowhere near a football pitch right now and their performance spoke volumes about the current malaise at the Midlands club. On a wider scale, clubs need to be more diligent about how to deal with issues faced by their players and the drink-driving scandal is no different. They handled it poorly and are paying the price.</p>
<p id="7WlImV">Back to us. Reading were given an early Christmas present in the shape of a sending-off and a converted 12-yard death kick to take the lead within five minutes. Adults and children alike were still shuffling into their seats at this point and the Dolan was in a state of flux. Nothing amuses me more than watching a football fan having to choose whether to continue eating his (or her) pie or celebrate a goal. I saw at least three people face this problem and I chuckled to myself as I tucked into the easily consumed Bubbly Santa. </p>
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<img alt="Reading v Derby County - Sky Bet Championship" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ykrULrc7SZEmYU0b19rjwlZVOTQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19548558/1195241413.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Death kick converted</figcaption>
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<p id="TyokoN">Two minutes after the goal, stability was resumed and the hum of Christmas chat and weather grumblings hung in the air once again. Derby hit the crossbar and Charlie Adam turned the game into a ‘look at me’ contest by spraying balls around left, right and centre. He loves a long-range pass does Charlie. Half time approached and with that, a quick snack of a nut-based chocolate bar that used to be named after a sporting event was hastily consumed. No alcohol for me during the break as I had a mild hangover from the previous night. I also felt sick because of said alcohol consumption, so no other solid goods were taken in, said for the previously mentioned confectionery item.</p>
<p id="coxjJT">The second half began in earnest and Reading doubled their lead shortly after. Things on the pitch became spicy with the Derby players beginning to throw their toys out of the pram. Off the pitch, chaos ensued when the heavens opened which led to the first 10 rows taking part in what I like to call “the stewards’ nightmare”. Picture the scene: rain + plastic seats + literally tens of people moving at speed = health and safety carnage. </p>
<p id="0Sjll6">One of the stewards actually removed himself from his stool to oversee the people moving towards dryness and the safety of the upper tier of the Dolan. In the chaos, one chap actually left his brolly on the floor and several programmes were left to their watery grave, the image of Matt Miazga (the cover star) gently melting into the concrete as the liquid weather lashed the Mad Stad.</p>
<p id="SAY2MM">Back on the pitch and if VAR had been involved in this game, they would have had an absolute field day. Tackles were flying in, penalty appeals were turned down and players began pushing each other in non-festive ways. The Derby fans did their best to get themselves a night in one of Berkshire’s premium police stations when baiting Swifty after an altercation that led to plenty of handbags from everyone in the scoreboard corner. </p>
<aside id="bCa7yo"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Reading 3-0 Derby County: Royals Dispatch Rams With Ease ","url":"https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/12/22/21033762/reading-fc-3-0-derby-country-royals-dispatch-derby-with-ease-rams"}]}'></div></aside><p id="qwe8Cx">Another 12-yard death kick ensued shortly after, which should have really led to a red card too. The awarded penalty led my Dad to say “wonder who will miss this” reasonably loudly, which led to some chortles and knowing nods from those around us. Meite (yours and mine) stepped up to make it 3-0 and push the Royals further up the table. Naysayers will say that we won because Derby were awful, but a great man (Sir Steve Coppell) once said that you still have to beat what’s in front of you.</p>
<p id="L6al0D">A couple of players are really solidifying their places in the fans’ hearts. Rafael is performing admirably and largely going under the radar. Likewise Pele, who came on and was really solid (and isn’t on a reported 10k a week and didn’t used to play for Stoke or Blackpool) and made crunching tackles where needed. Another consistent showing from Gunter meant that the comments from Tim Dellor from last week were thrown back at him in the best possible way and confirmed the increasing arrogance creeping into the pundits on BBC Berks. </p>
<p id="yEdbVy">Bowen is continuing to grind out results and push the team forward and for the first time in a while, there is genuine competition for places up front. A reasonably kind fixture list over the festive period could see the Royals reach the heady heights of mid-table and the change in kick-off time for the game against QPhahahaha will see very few attend the Whitley Bowl. I for one can’t wait: 7.30 is around the time ‘Eastenders’ gets put on at the mother-in-law’s and for once, I have a legitimate reason to not be there. Merry Christmas to me!</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/12/23/21033849/view-from-the-dolan-mince-pies-and-rainy-chaos-reading-fc-royals-derby-countyBen from B132019-12-22T12:07:12+00:002019-12-22T12:07:12+00:00Reading 3-0 Derby County: Royals Dispatch Rams With Ease
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<img alt="Reading v Derby County - Sky Bet Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/AN5B4u_YDn491E3qDXVOl6aGC84=/0x0:4632x3088/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65954940/1195251190.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Royals’ job against Cocu’s Derby County was made much easier with an early red card, but it shouldn’t take away from a solid performance by Bowen’s men. </p> <p id="1oufIv">The Madejski Stadium was not full. But it was full of Christmas cheer by the end of the match, as the Royals dispatched ten-man Derby Country with relative ease and saw some bright sparks and creative moments from their players to take three points back to the grotto.</p>
<p id="y432fw">Mark Bowen lined his men up in a 4-4-2 again, with Charlie Adam partnering Andy Rinomhota in midfield, presumably with the belief that Rinomhota’s energy would cover for Adam’s lack of mobility and pace. Ovie Ejaria started on the left but had license to drift infield and open up his box of tricks on whichever opponent dared come near him. Yakou Meite started on the right, but would often swap with Lucas Joao throughout the match; Sam Baldock was the focal point and man making runs in behind.</p>
<p id="WaEX9a">The tactics seemed to be harking back to the Steve Coppell/Brian McDermott days, with both men in the middle of the park spraying passes into wide areas of the pitch and hanging back rather than getting into the box. Chris Gunter offered more attacking thrust in the final third, while Tyler Blackett would cover for Ejaria and was <a href="https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/12/21/21033093/reading-fc-3-0-derby-county-player-ratings-royals-rams">solid if unspectacular</a>.</p>
<h2 id="pM1iaY"><strong>Loose first half</strong></h2>
<p id="2dIReL">The game barely had a chance to get going when Yakou Meite found himself through on goal after some slack Derby defending. He was lucky Scott Malone brought him down because it didn’t look like Meite was going to get the ball out from under his feet. A clear red, an obvious penalty, and Set Piece King Charlie Adam stepped up to dispatch the spot-kick with ease. Reading were 1-0 up in the fifth minute against ten men. Things could only get better from here, right?</p>
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<img alt="Reading v Derby County - Sky Bet Championship" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_XnptPE18C3bttijx0ZkdbuV1zA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19548439/1195241695.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="hd7No8">Well, not quite. The remainder of the first half seemed to have both sides shell-shocked by the early drama. Reading had the majority of the ball and had some bright moments, some nice moments of interplay and intricate build-up, but never quite had that sharp incision needed to put Derby to the sword. Baldock should have done better when put through but hit the side netting, but otherwise, there wasn’t too much to WhatsApp home about.</p>
<p id="TIuIzo">On the other hand, The Rams, when they had the chance to attack, looked dangerous. It wasn’t a game that looked like 10 v 11, a fact that worried me as the half crept to a close, with Rafael making a smart save to stop a good effort from Waghorn (I will always find that surname funny). It looked like Bowen’s men had taken their foot off the gas, the question was whether Derby would punish their looseness on the ball, or could The Royals crank through the gears?</p>
<h2 id="Bpvpke"><strong>Second-half cutting edge</strong></h2>
<p id="8ax2hX">As it turned out, the Royals came out in the second half with much more purpose.</p>
<p id="fYV3kM">Ejaria made a fool of more people, Meite barrelled his way past men repeatedly, and Joao and his strike partner linked up nicely and pinned back Derby. Bowen made a brave decision to take off the energetic Rinomhota and bring on the more refined John Swift to turn the screw more, and it proved an inspired substitution as minutes later he played a brilliant ball across the box which Lucas Joao hammered home, giving The Royals a 2-0 lead. </p>
<p id="Y4iYAR">From that point, Derby looked more likely to secure a second red card than a goal, Cocu’s men picking up bookings like they were mince pies and mulled wine being dished out around the office at Christmas time.</p>
<p id="yCma5R">The Royals were chasing a third goal, which should have come sooner if substitute Lucas Boye bothered to get going. He was presented with multiple moments where he could pull the trigger and test the keeper, but repeatedly lost the ball and held onto the ball for too long, like a greedy child holding onto the pass the parcel, hoping the music stopped for him.</p>
<p id="5mgONP">Fortunately, Lucas Joao was forced down by Craig Forsyth as the game edged closer to the final whistle, and Yakou Meite - who won the first penalty - stepped up and converted to give Reading a comfortable three-goal lead, and three points heading into Christmas. Fans celebrated that by cheering every pass Bowen’s men made in the final few minutes of the match, and Swift and Ejaria sprinkled some sparkle on the pitch with some fancy passes and skills to see the game out.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">You know that mint shower gel that makes your bits tingly? Ejaria has the same effect. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#readingfc</a></p>— HOOPS (@RoyalHoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/RoyalHoops/status/1208416800393900032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2019</a>
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<p id="8jKI2U">A fun game, a comfortable game, and a much-improved performance compared to <a href="https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/12/19/21030569/stoke-city-0-0-reading-fc-full-coverage-royals-potters">The Stoke Tragedy</a>. It looks like Bowen has settled on a team and a style that suits his players, and if they maintain this form will finish comfortably mid-table. Now we need to hope the boys from Berkshire don’t overindulge on Wednesday and let their focus slip.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/12/22/21033762/reading-fc-3-0-derby-country-royals-dispatch-derby-with-ease-ramsRoyal Hoops2019-12-22T11:11:10+00:002019-12-22T11:11:10+00:00Mark Bowen Praises Fast Start And Second-Half Improvement In Derby County Win
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<img alt="Reading v Derby County - Sky Bet Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gLrWFwphJ2_twnuywNwy4GvkvVs=/1x0:4564x3042/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65954853/1195246704.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The gaffer accepted problems with the first-half performance, but liked his team’s response after the break. </p> <p id="RBSYSp">The Royals impressed with a 3-0 victory against out-of-form Derby County at the Madejski Stadium. Reading took the lead within five minutes through a Charlie Adam penalty with Derby going down to 10 men, although the Rams then hit the woodwork in a bid for an equaliser. The Royals made it two in the second half through Lucas Joao and then Yakou Meite scored another penalty to secure three points.</p>
<p id="8Tpw56">It was the perfect way to start the Christmas celebrations but manager Mark Bowen said after the game that back-to-back wins has to be the aim going into our Boxing Day fixture against QPR. Here is what he said after the game to the <a href="http://www.readingfc.co.uk">official club website</a> and <a href="https://www.getreading.co.uk/all-about/reading-fc">GetReading</a>.</p>
<h3 id="9SIsVq"><strong>Bowen on the game</strong></h3>
<blockquote>
<p id="s9bbR5">“They went down to ten men early on, but that was forced by our quick play, us starting the game on the front foot which I was happy about. I wanted a fast start and that sort of passage of play led to the penalty and the sending off. </p>
<p id="B2S2w1">“But once that goal went in, my first thought was ‘we’d better not lose this game now - we’ve gone a goal up and they’re down to ten men’. And I think the players thought that too. The fans probably think well that’s it, we’re going to go on and win comfortably now, we’ll dominate this game.</p>
<p id="sMHUDU">”But as we all know, it can be difficult playing against ten men and I think we got a little bit nervous after the opening goal and we looked a bit nervous for most of the first half; they had far too many chances coming up to half-time and although we were ahead, we were in a bit of a rut.</p>
<p id="06Lrmv">“But we ironed a few things out at half time - I asked for patient but quick play. By that I mean don’t force it, but when you’re moving the ball, move it quickly. If you do that against ten men, spaces will open up and chances will come.</p>
<p id="JYe7DF">”We also talked about the back four getting tighter to their men and we passed the ball well after the break and created a good number of chances in the second half.</p>
<p id="6PVnde">”We looked a lot more assured and in control of our destiny after half-time. What we talked about at half-time, the players took into their second half performance and I felt more comfortable stood on the sidelines.”</p>
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<h3 id="jXCkQU"><strong>Bowen on keeping a clean sheet and climbing the table</strong></h3>
<blockquote>
<p id="RS1iEh">“Once the second goal goes in, you think that should be that. And you naturally you look at keeping a clean sheet - and we have two in a row now which I’m delighted with.</p>
<p id="w5lPak">“It’s nice to be climbing the table. When I came in, I said that I didn’t want to waste any games without putting points on the board. Last week a lot was said about it being disappointing - but we picked up two points at Barnsley and Stoke. </p>
<p id="r8ABoD">“With a point you generally stay where you are in the table. It’s when you win games that you get yourself up the league. And we’ve got to keep pushing up this table. We’ve got a game in hand as well. But if you take your off the ball, you can quickly get dragged back down there.</p>
<p id="YRDaWI">“I know the quality we’ve got in the dressing room and I know if we get things right - work rate, togetherness, nastiness off the ball - we can get a result against anyone. So this is a good start to the Christmas week, but it’s only a start.</p>
<p id="CkM7zq">“We can enjoy our Christmas but not too much. I don’t want too many Quality Street or mince pies eaten because we’ve got a big game here on Boxing Day against QPR. Back-to-back wins has to be our aim.”</p>
</blockquote>
<h3 id="KPyJmS"><strong>Bowen on Adam’s goal</strong></h3>
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<p id="q4dHlQ">“Any manager will tell you, when he’s on the ball, you’re happy. He’s got a range of passing and can bring others into play. When he’s playing in a four he knows he has to be really disciplined because he won’t always recover.</p>
<p id="HCv22t">“I’m delighted for him - he’s had a difficult time since he came in, in terms of minutes. He thrives on playing and is a confidence player. He’ll be an important player for us over Christmas and into the New Year.”</p>
</blockquote>
<h3 id="0Q0Uwu"><strong>Bowen on Derby picking up eight yellow cards</strong></h3>
<blockquote><p id="9T2iZL">“I think that came out of frustration on their part. It’s expected and they’re not a dirty side in any way. From our point of view, we moved the ball quickly and caused them problems, especially in the second half.”</p></blockquote>
<h3 id="ZJnkEj"><strong>Bowen on taking Rinomhota off</strong></h3>
<blockquote><p id="yFjIHY">“He’s been suffering from a heavy cold over the past few days. He won’t flag it up too much but I could see he was blowing so I wanted to make a change.”</p></blockquote>
<h3 id="tnTDHb"><strong>Bowen on Derby’s penalty shout</strong></h3>
<blockquote><p id="o90AnP">“I don’t know, I don’t remember seeing it.”</p></blockquote>
<h3 id="nCpd0g"><strong>Bowen on scoring two penalties</strong></h3>
<blockquote><p id="4WRLME">“The way they put them away too was good. There was power and pace on them and even the keeper had gone the right way I think they would have scored. It’s always nice to see - the way we dispatched them was really good.”</p></blockquote>
<h3 id="tL6SbA"><strong>Bowen on Miazga and Puscas’ injuries</strong></h3>
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<p id="YrzOdW">“[Miazga] trained yesterday but I didn’t want to put him on the bench. I was conscious with Swift and bringing him back too soon - same with Miazga. Hopefully the four or five days will put enough work into them to be ready for QPR.”</p>
<p id="FrJnOP">“[Puscas] saw the surgeon yesterday, doesn’t need an operation but has gone home to Romania for a few days. He’ll come back and he shouldn’t be more than two/two and a half weeks.”</p>
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https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/12/22/21033145/mark-bowen-praises-fast-start-and-second-half-improvement-in-derby-county-win-reading-fc-royalssophierfc102019-12-21T21:02:51+00:002019-12-21T21:02:51+00:00Reading 3-0 Derby County: Player Ratings
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<img alt="Reading v Derby County - Sky Bet Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_povLLnQk3V4xgcGUeFaEfnJaCE=/0x0:3831x2554/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65953292/1195255680.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>On the face of it a straightforward win, but there were plenty of positives and negatives to pick out. </p> <h3 id="A6oKAd"><strong>Rafael: 7</strong></h3>
<p id="tI87l8">A strong performance from the Brazilian who had to make some top saves to stop Derby from getting into the game. He denied Waghorn on one occasion when he got in behind and beat away a long-range drive later on in the first half. A second straight clean sheet will be a big boost for him. </p>
<h3 id="GLMnVI"><strong>Chris Gunter: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="rupxbS">Another solid afternoon, with no real worries, but again it’s a case of him not offering the same forward threat as Andy Yiadom. He pushed forward down the right well enough in search of space, but had minimal impact due to a) Adam seeming to prefer picking out Ejaria and Blackett on the left, and b) lacking the dribbling ability to take players on. </p>
<p id="mX1M7b">That said, he did set up Boye in the second half with a nice low cross that the Argentine really should have buried, and should have given Gunter an assist. </p>
<h3 id="1DfDvR"><strong>Michael Morrison: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="KDHZtK">Given a tough game by Martyn Waghorn who liked to drop off and pick the ball up rather than going up against the centre backs directly. He was caught out a little bit soon after the first goal when Tom Lawrence stole in behind for a shot that he crashed against the bar.</p>
<p id="ygpYIt">On the whole though a pretty solid afternoon, and one fortunately not overshadowed by him getting in bother by knocking the ball around too much at the back. Then again, that was mostly because the 10-man Rams didn’t have enough players to consistently press. </p>
<h3 id="IriKbA"><strong>Liam Moore: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="XrKuhH">Like Morrison, he had a good day at the back and put in some important blocks and clearances to shore things up. </p>
<h3 id="9aNcMq"><strong>Tyler Blackett: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="ECy4gN">More involved than Gunter on the opposite going forwards, but for me he didn’t make enough happen, despite having some good opportunities to get balls into the box, so should improve his crossing. Also booked for his part in a row with Derby players by the corner flag in the second half, and rather embarrassingly misjudged a crossfield from Pele that bounced over his head for a throw. </p>
<h3 id="lYHWtM"><strong>Yakou Meite: 7</strong></h3>
<p id="5KMpoL">I know I’ve been fairly harsh when grading Meite previously, but he was much more involved against Derby, so deserves some praise. Bowen pointed out after the match that the Ivorian was playing in his stronger position as a winger (<em>so why have you been playing him up front?</em>), and that tactical switch did indeed seem to bring much more out of him.</p>
<p id="uLqfPF">Meite had a lot more room to run into down the right, galloping forwards on numerous occasions to get Reading up the pitch, particularly in the second half. He just seemed <strong>liberated</strong> and put away his spot kick in typically positive Meite fashion, beating Ben Hamer for power low to the goalie’s left. </p>
<p id="Pxnb9a">On the flipside, he seemed pretty raw at times, and should have buried a chance before he could be fouled for the penalty. He could also have been better defensively by offering Gunter more protection, but a run of games as a wide player should hopefully sharpen him up in this regard. It’s a <em>much </em>better fit than playing him as a centre forward. </p>
<h3 id="SjNenL"><strong>Andy Rinomhota: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="5Bhe9H">Exposed by his midfield partner’s lack of mobility, he had more work to do defensively so naturally found it difficult at times. He could have imposed himself on the game more and his minimal passing range held Reading back, but on the whole a decent enough afternoon. </p>
<h3 id="8CegvS"><strong>Charlie Adam: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="yn0Zy7">If I were grading this solely on his passing he’d be on for a much higher grade than I’ve given him. Adam sprayed the ball around really well against Derby, getting the ball out wide quickly and purposefully - although he seemed to choose Blackett quite often although Gunter found space down the right pretty well.</p>
<p id="rpDGJl">However, he was bypassed much too easily by the Rams’ sharp interplay through the middle, leaving them with plenty of space to work in despite being down to 10 men. I’m surprised Bowen put Adam there to be honest, as having such an immobile player in a midfield two against a passing side isn’t a great idea. He was also prone to being ponderous on the ball at times, being caught out a few times by an opposition player. </p>
<p id="N2VMFP">All in all, it makes Adam a very risky player to use. He’s certainly a great asset with his passing range from deep - that no one else in the team can offer really - but he’s a liability defensively. Having to rejig the side around him to minimise that problem can itself be an issue, so Bowen really needs to weigh up how to use Adam properly. </p>
<p id="lFw5W7">Did well with his penalty too, sending the goalie the wrong way. </p>
<h3 id="tQ5Kra"><strong>Ovie Ejaria: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="pCRjqn">He lined up as a winger again and, for the life of me, I don’t know why. He was wasted there against Stoke City last Saturday and the same happened today, with Ejaria not involved enough in the play. It didn’t help that, again, he was working alongside a left back in Blackett who lacks the forward drive to consistently overlap and provide a wider option to work with.</p>
<p id="buMdTN">Although Ejaria caught the eye by - again - busting out some of his tricks, they generally didn’t result in end product, hence 6/10 rather than 7/10.</p>
<h3 id="WuPJHD"><strong>Sam Baldock: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="l5sk0I">I may be grading him a little harshly, but for me he didn’t do enough in front of goal to get a higher mark. He did put in a typically hard-working ‘Baldock shift’ up front, but I didn’t see enough involvement in chances - bar putting an Ejaria cut-back wide from close range, having a few efforts from distance and linking up nicely with Joao twice. He needs to have a bigger impact in the final third. </p>
<p id="0oEEta">It may well be that he’s still adjusting to a new setup and strike partner. Joao doesn’t work as hard as George Puscas, and is probably less likely to try to get in behind himself, which affects Baldock’s game. Hopefully there are improvements to come on that front. </p>
<h3 id="3u8rYM"><strong>Lucas Joao: 7</strong></h3>
<p id="iGWMgx">In a way he summed up Reading’s weird performance in the final third. On paper, he did exactly what he needed to do, winning a penalty and scoring a goal - hence the 7/10 - but across the course of the 90 minutes he was pretty frustrating at times and let a few chances slip. A good example of that came in the first half when, having been played in by Meite, he dithered and lost the chance - rather than just hitting it. </p>
<p id="gbDFdf">On the whole, for me the issue is that he often lacks a real sense of urgency. That’s not just in front of goal - where he does seem to delay too much - but also in his all-round game when he regularly looks lazy. If he keeps up his scoring rate though - which currently stands at three goals in his last four - we won’t mind too much. </p>
<h2 id="dfBovQ"><strong>Subs</strong></h2>
<h3 id="XYI6K2"><strong>John Swift: 7</strong></h3>
<p id="epczr3">Brought on for Rinomhota in the second half, he partnered Adam in a defensively lightweight midfield, but fortunately Derby couldn’t exploit it, and he was later given more security when Adam was swapped out for Pele. Goes up to 7/10 thanks to a gorgeous ball in for Joao who converted at the near post. Unlocking a defence with that kind of splitting pass is vintage Swift. </p>
<h3 id="ua2ENW"><strong>Pele: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="LM5jN1">Replaced Adam on 66 minutes to solidify Reading’s midfield at 2-0. Steady defensively, composed on the ball and played some nice crossfield passes out wide, which I’d really like to see him try much more often. If he can do that consistently, he could well be the safer version of Adam that Reading need. With a busy set of fixtures coming up he’s bound to get a few chances to show that side of his game.</p>
<h3 id="9704Ab"><strong>Lucas Boye: 4</strong></h3>
<p id="ymCk8g">If he’d been on the pitch for much longer, I probably would have had to drop him down to a 3/10. He had some great chances to add to Reading’s lead in the closing stages, but squandered all of them: a pull-back to Ejaria was cut out before the midfielder could meet it, he received a similar pass from Gunter <strong>in acres of space</strong> but took a touch rather than burying it, wasting the chance, and put a long-range chance hopelessly off target.</p>
<p id="20RFhM">Boye was otherwise overzealous off the ball, giving away some cheap fouls. He seems to badly lack confidence and often comes across as frustrated - has he settled badly in England? I wouldn’t rule out the chances of him returning to Torino in January. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="DMV1YV">
<h3 id="HK0PsF"><strong>Average: 6/10</strong></h3>
<p id="91Ah18"><em>Who was your man of the match against Derby County? Vote in our poll below or, if it doesn’t display on your device, go </em><a href="https://linkto.run/p/SCLJJNRR"><em>through this link</em></a><em>.</em></p>
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https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/12/21/21033093/reading-fc-3-0-derby-county-player-ratings-royals-ramsBucksRoyal2019-12-21T10:30:00+00:002019-12-21T10:30:00+00:00Tactics Preview: Struggling Derby Shouldn't Be Underestimated
<figure>
<img alt="Derby County v Millwall - Sky Bet Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zUYXa2vxuBC2Sev3UBWINEEhBqk=/0x0:3312x2208/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65951520/1188705688.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Rams have barely started this season better than the Royals, but will still provide tough opposition. </p> <p id="K1xlwv">After a more than disappointing start to the season, Derby County lie only three points above the Royals going into Saturday afternoon’s game. Having not won in their previous five games, the Rams are on a bad run of form, something compounded by their away form one which stretches back even longer. </p>
<p id="1TQMcL">With five defeats in their last five on the road and no goals scored, Derby’s main problem seems to be scoring goals. A frontline of Chris Martin, Tom Lawrence and Martyn Waghorn - who have all scored goals in this division before - have contributed to 15 of Derby’s 21 goals so far this season, but bar that, no other player has more than one goal for the Rams this season. </p>
<p id="WVwXc8">Strangely, Derby’s key strengths seem to lie in attack, with their first game of the season at Huddersfield Town highlighting their attacking options and defensive shortcomings especially. </p>
<p id="JKuNlg">Derby like to line up in a 4-2-3-1, with Duane Holmes the number 10 and surrounded by the three frontmen earlier mentioned. The trickery of Holmes and the ability of the three men behind Martin to rotate offers Derby a versatility in attack, with the security of former Royal George Evans and Jason Knight in behind. </p>
<p id="3Ae5yT">Standout player Jadon Bogle, tipped for a shock move to AC Milan, takes up the right back role alongside a defence of Curtis Davies, Craig Forsyth and Max Lowe. The young full back can even play on the wing, lining up on the right in a 4-3-3 against Blackburn, with Andre Wisdom able to fill in for him at the back. With Richard Keogh being sacked from the club and Matt Clarke out injured, the returning Davies and left back Forsyth haven’t done a bad job in the centre of defence, with 28 goals conceded this season for the Rams, despite a clear lack of pace in the backline.</p>
<p id="U6fJag">Loanee Kieron Dowell has not quite made a splash with Derby this term having impressed last season at Sheffield United. Record signing Krystian Bielik has featured at both centre back and in central midfield this season, impressing more often in the middle of the park. A man able to play with the ball, he allows others ahead of him more freedom but has not been a constant fixture in the Derby team due to Phillip Cocu’s midfield rotation and general formation changes. </p>
<p id="gnWHfc">Cocu has even opted to play a 3-5-2 on occasion this season, with Bogle and Scott Malone at wing back vs QPR in November, but ditching it soon after. A side who like to play the ball out from the back, men like Bielik and Evans are important to Derby’s style of play and gameplan.</p>
<p id="sug279">Derby are a side who are yet to find their feet this season, so Mark Bowen’s men should see no reason not to opt for their default 3-5-2 formation (depending on the fitness of Miazga and Swift). With the Royals struggling to create chances in recent weeks and Derby finding issue with scoring themselves, Reading should be taking the game to the Rams, with it the perfect opportunity to get back to winning ways at home.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/12/21/21032647/tactics-preview-struggling-derby-shouldnt-be-underestimated-reading-fc-royalsjamiewykes2019-12-21T08:00:00+00:002019-12-21T08:00:00+00:00Reading vs Derby County: Match Preview
<figure>
<img alt="Derby County v Millwall - Sky Bet Championship - Pride Park" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fXGdEsYmopsRBHot6NByYnQMBTU=/0x0:3036x2024/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65951439/1188640152.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Tim Goode/EMPICS/PA Images via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>It’s the clash of two lower mid-table sides on Saturday, both in need of a win.</p> <p id="2dtYM0">A Christmas clash between two under-performing sides could be vital for both sides in their quest to improve their form going in to 2020, when Reading welcome Derby County to Berkshire.</p>
<p id="k31Ryl">Phillip Cocu, who succeeded Frank Lampard as Derby County manager in the summer, has struggled to replicate the results achieved by his predecessor last season that saw the East Midlands side reach the playoff final. The former Barcelona player will be under immense pressure to take all three points away from Berkshire this weekend.</p>
<p id="G5VMQf">Here are the all the facts and stats you need to know ahead of this Saturday’s fixture at the Madejski Stadium.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="V0tSmJ">
<p id="T4qP99"><strong>What? </strong>Championship Matchday 22</p>
<p id="ev7uiD"><strong>Who?</strong> Derby County</p>
<p id="jQGTgU"><strong>Where?</strong> Madejski Stadium</p>
<p id="3vx8Y4"><strong>When?</strong> Saturday 21st December 2019 (3pm KO)</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="at8jMf">
<h2 id="IhZTLv"><strong>League form </strong></h2>
<h3 id="vvtYaf"><strong>Reading: LWLDD</strong></h3>
<p id="sZ4FzQ">Can you really argue with two consecutive away draws? A point is a point in each case, but we had a real chance to win both of these games. A 1-1 draw against the side at the foot of the Championship table in Barnsley was not good enough, especially when you look at the manner in which we conceded that night. </p>
<p id="Eg7jn6">Coupled with the drab 0-0 draw at the bet365 stadium against Stoke City, it hasn’t been a great time for the Royals recently. Of course, the situation could be worse, but it could also be a lot better. The Berkshire side have a great opportunity to improve their form with two upcoming home games against the Rams and Queens Park Rangers. QPR visit the Madejski Stadium on Boxing Day (7:30pm KO).</p>
<p id="6Cb0MZ">Previously ousted full back Chris Gunter is likely to start in place of Andy Yiadom, who’s out for the rest of this calendar year, while John Swift is closing in on a return to the first team and <a href="https://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/reading-fc-manager-bowen-derby-17446965">should play some part against Derby</a>. Centre back Matt Miazga, who picked up a hamstring injury in training and missed last weekend’s tie up in Staffordshire against Stoke City, shouldn’t be out for that long either but Saturday may be too soon for him. </p>
<p id="IPPoK1">George Puscas may not be too far away from a return after <a href="https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/12/15/21021956/mark-bowen-praises-possession-criticises-creativity-in-stoke-city-stalemate-reading-fc-royals">dislocating his shoulder</a>, while Jordan Obita is fully fit and could start this weekend. However, Tom McIntyre will be out after sustaining a hamstring injury. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Barnsley v Reading - Sky Bet Championship - Oakwell" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MdV3vC5Ge-KjLa39S7Mr7qhhbVE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19541536/1187996489.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Nigel French/EMPICS/PA Images via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Obita in action at Oakwell</figcaption>
</figure>
<h3 id="IOK2j8"><strong>Derby County: LDLDL</strong></h3>
<p id="jX2ZEF">The Rams currently sit 16th in the Championship table, a really disappointing position for a side who were 90 minutes away from reaching the Premier League in May. Taking just two points from a possible fifteen has raised questions over the future of Phillip Cocu, who has really struggled for consistency ever since his appointment. </p>
<p id="JJIff4">Krystian Bielik returned to first-team action to face Millwall last weekend, although he failed to make an appearance off the bench. This game could be the perfect opportunity for the Pole to get some first team minutes under his belt. </p>
<p id="PP4A0H">Matt Clarke and Tom Huddlestone continue their rehabilitation and are drawing ever closer to a return, with <a href="https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/derby-county-injury-latest-millwall-3354589">both out on the grass</a> in the next phase of their recovery. However, forward Mason Bennett and 28 year-old Graeme Shinnie are a few months away from a return. The former has recently had surgery on his ankle.</p>
<p id="m5w3tB">The addition of Wayne Rooney, who’s ineligible to play for the club until next month, could rescue Cocu as the side look to change their fortunes ahead of the new year.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="BkwhIM">
<h2 id="xpBzcz"><strong>The last meeting</strong></h2>
<h3 id="Z0RWDg"><strong>Derby County 2-1 Reading</strong></h3>
<div id="tcOrc9"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KZ40_BARGzE?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media; accelerometer; gyroscope; picture-in-picture"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="dxAxlP">Duane Holmes opened the scoring for the home side within three minutes, converting from Harry Wilson’s perfectly weighted through ball to put Derby 1-0 up early on. The Rams doubled their advantage when Wilson’s deflected shot off Andy Rinomhota sailed past Anssi Jaakkola in the Reading goal.</p>
<p id="F1yscG">They had the ball in the net against in the second half through Martyn Waghorn, although he was adjudged to be offside when the ball was played through to him by Jack Marriott. Loanee Mason Mount then missed a glorious opportunity shortly before Sone Aluko reduced the deficit. However, the away side failed to capitalise on this momentum and the match finished 2-1, much to the relief of the home supporters.</p>
<p id="IHGOyH">The Royals were still in the relegation zone at this point in mid-January of this year. Despite the defeat and league position, the performance gave the fans real optimism as performances started to improve under Jose Gomes. This match also marked Tiago Ilori’s last game in a Reading shirt before his move to Sporting Lisbon. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="JV60ja">
<h2 id="Mvvy7u"><strong>TTE stats</strong></h2>
<ul>
<li id="sft7fw">Reading have a 40% win rate under Mark Bowen in his ten games in charge so far. Consistency will be key under the Welshman who’s currently in charge of a side which should be much higher up in the Championship table.</li>
<li id="6V7Dpk">The Royals have won just one of their previous eight meetings with Derby County. This victory came at Pride Park in November 2017 in a 4-2 scoreline - one of few highlights of Reading’s 2017/18 season. </li>
<li id="3WHdTO">Derby County have won just one out of their ten away games so far this season. Another defeat for the Rams this weekend?</li>
<li id="YlmeEq">The East Midlands side have also scored just seven goals in these ten games. There’s no wonder the side are struggling to pick up points away from Pride Park.</li>
</ul>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="BVeLNV">
<h2 id="jmdbaZ"><strong>Predictions</strong></h2>
<p id="wLLfCl"><em><strong>Likely Reading lineup: </strong></em><em>Rafael, Obita, Moore, Morrison, Gunter, Pele, Adam, Rinomhota, Ejaria, Baldock, Joao</em></p>
<p id="Lwu3J4">Jordan Obita could make a return to the starting lineup to replace Tyler Blackett, although the pair and Omar Richards will all be competing for that left back spot. Blackett is likely to be on the bench to provide backup for Michael Morrison and Liam Moore if Miazga is ruled out at the weekend. McInytre is also unavailable. Teddy Howe and Gunter are also in competition for the right back spot, although the latter is set to start once again for fellow Welshman Mark Bowen.</p>
<p id="BOXpSi">If the home side opts to play four at the back again, I can only see Charlie Adam starting again. John Swift is highly unlikely to start this weekend - that’s even if he’s in the matchday squad. I honestly think that this team is crying out for some youthful energy from the likes of Josh Barrett and Michael Olise, although Bowen seems to be reluctant to use them.</p>
<p id="cn0dYS">Sam Baldock and Lucas Joao could also start again as a duo up top. Joao has scored against Birmingham City and Barnsley recently and has a good opportunity to get on the scoresheet once again this weekend. You can always rely on Baldock to put in a good shift up front whenever he’s given the opportunity. </p>
<p id="yioT86">However, I can’t see any other result this weekend other than a draw. This is a tie between two sides who are under-performing, neither of whom will want to lose again. Although Reading and Derby County haven’t been the best at the back in the campaign thus far, I can see this being a cagey affair. Cue an absolute goal fest because I’ve said that!</p>
<p id="Min1k5"><strong>Score Prediction: Reading 0-0 Derby County</strong></p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="W76rb7">
<h2 id="TForTF"><strong>Other Championship fixtures</strong></h2>
<p id="2ogOai"><strong>All Saturday 21st December 2019 (3pm KO) unless stated</strong></p>
<p id="ERwNeO">Middlesbrough vs Stoke City (Friday 20th December 7:45pm KO)</p>
<p id="yTIHkq">Cardiff City vs Preston North End (12:30pm KO)</p>
<p id="dNOvY8">Fulham vs Leeds United</p>
<p id="I4iaxv">Huddersfield Town vs Nottingham Forest</p>
<p id="NtTJZs">Hull City vs Birmingham City</p>
<p id="x2ykfT">Luton Town vs Swansea City</p>
<p id="Xasra2">Millwall vs Barnsley</p>
<p id="1HxPVT">Queens Park Rangers vs Charlton Athletic</p>
<p id="iG9KbP">West Bromwich Albion vs Brentford</p>
<p id="MMRBMx">Sheffield Wednesday vs Bristol City (Sunday 22nd December 12pm KO)</p>
<p id="csSeZ7">Blackburn Rovers vs Wigan Athletic (Monday 23rd December 7:45pm KO)</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/12/21/21029525/reading-fc-vs-derby-county-match-preview-royals-rams-madejski-stadiumajonesrfc2019-12-20T10:00:00+00:002019-12-20T10:00:00+00:00View From The Town End: Post-Frank Lampard Derby County In A Mess
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<img alt="Derby County v Queens Park Rangers - Sky Bet Championship - Pride Park" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BbosmTzMfsd1TOC-m91ixKVGR54=/0x0:4580x3053/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65944441/1185619267.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Scott Wilson/EMPICS/PA Images via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Ollie from Derby County Blog drops in to tell us all about how a disappointing season for the Rams is panning out. </p> <p id="z6GYNC">Derby County’s season should be familiar to us Reading fans. A post-playoff final hangover after a Premier League legend’s first year in management, sitting well down in lower mid-table, and they’ve even got George Evans and Chris Martin in their squad. </p>
<p id="Ed9GAz">Comparisons aside, the Rams’ quick decline has been as abrupt as it has been worrying. To get some deeper insight into it, we spoke to Ollie Wright from <a href="https://twitter.com/derbycountyblog">Derby County Blog</a>. You can find the website <a href="http://www.derbycountyblog.com/">right here</a>. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="KAh71o">
<h3 id="CIeDL5"><strong>How would you sum up Derby’s season so far?</strong></h3>
<p id="aepu7E">Unbelievably disappointing. There are mitigating factors for manager Phillip Cocu and it is certainly not all his fault, but the bottom line is, we’re miles short of where we had hoped to be, with few positives to cling to at the moment.</p>
<h3 id="6Q0yPO"><strong>What have you made of Phillip Cocu?</strong></h3>
<p id="yCEsWJ">I’ve just recorded a podcast where we <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spreaker.com%2Fuser%2Fderbycountyblogcast%2Fdecember-derby-county-blogcast&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fthetilehurstend.sbnation.com%2F2019%2F12%2F20%2F21025981%2Fview-from-the-town-end-derby-county-reading-fc-royals" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">talked about Cocu’s performance - and problems - in depth</a>. For Royals fans in a nutshell, he was handed an extremely difficult task after the agonisingly prolonged departure of Frank Lampard and things were made much harder for him by off-the-field matters.</p>
<p id="Vz7Ufx">Firstly, a big decision was taken above his head - the costly signing of Wayne Rooney, who isn’t eligible to play until next month - then there was the infamous and colossal idiocy of a group of his players who decided to go out and get drunk, with disastrous consequences. Richard Keogh was injured and then dismissed for gross misconduct, while the incident will forever leave a cloud over the head of a player he perceives as key to the team - the inconsistent, sulky Tom Lawrence, who has more yellow cards to his names this season than goals and assists.</p>
<p id="IGpY7K">Summer recruitment, hamstrung by the ‘should I stay or should I go’ Lampard saga and then overshadowed by the Rooney deal, was basically botched and injuries have also hampered Derby’s progress, preventing Cocu from fielding a settled team. He has continued to spin the wheel, desperately looking for something that works, without success.</p>
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<img alt="Reading v Derby County - Sky Bet Championship" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2qTiCvdVbVappIm6Ehoezwif8Sc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/11921139/1010417766.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Frank Lampard’s first game in management came at the Mad Stad</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="YYvMXz">I feel sorry for him, but at the same time, he cannot feel sorry for himself, because he needs to find a way to dig us out of our current mess. I’m praying that the club is able to find three or four new players to help stabilise in the next window, which could be balanced by sending back two misfit loanees (Kieran Dowell and Jamie Paterson), while working to offload underachievers like Florian Jozefzoon. Selling the one star asset, Jayden Bogle, could be a ‘nuclear option’ to fund improvements. </p>
<h3 id="UQP0LU"><strong>What are the main strengths of this Derby team?</strong></h3>
<p id="m0ihPv">I’m sorry, you’ve stumped me there. </p>
<h3 id="wI5A4X"><strong>And weaknesses?</strong></h3>
<p id="TBWikg">Where to start? The first-choice goalkeeper at the start of the season has been dropped, having been repeatedly jeered by supporters. We haven’t kept a clean sheet away from home. Keogh has been sacked, while first-choice centre back Matt Clarke is injured. Tom Huddlestone and Graeme Shinnie are both injured and in their absence, we’re well short of experience and presence in midfield. </p>
<p id="QsXGvY">There are no decent wide options in the squad, which is a big contributory factor to the fact that we are now third-lowest scorers in the division. Starved of creative support from midfield, Chris Martin or Martyn Waghorn toil away fruitlessly up front for little reward, while fan favourite Jack Marriott has largely sat on the bench, either due to niggling injuries or through Cocu’s choice. Derby have not scored a goal from open play in their past seven games.</p>
<h3 id="75Z525"><strong>How do you see the game going, and what will the score be?</strong></h3>
<p id="Tu5pY5">This is the worst Derby County side since the Nigel Clough days back towards the start of this decade and you’re catching us at the best time possible. </p>
<p id="zYHm32">We haven’t scored a goal or picked up a point away from home in five games since 2 October when we drew at Barnsley. Given that we can’t score goals, there’s no logical reason to suggest that we can win this game.</p>
<p id="emrNnh">I would certainly take a point if offered now, to break the horrendous away run of form, but the only rational prediction is a win for Reading, I’ll say 1-0.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/12/20/21025981/view-from-the-town-end-derby-county-reading-fc-royalsBucksRoyalThe Tilehurst End Guest Writer