Derby vs Reading Prediction: Rams can rise to the Championship

League One’s promotion race will take another step towards completion in midweek as second-placed Derby County host Reading (19:45). The Rams are currently in possession of the second automatic promotion spot, but with Bolton Wanderers just one point behind them and Peterborough United in flying form, they simply cannot afford to slip up. 

Here’s our Derby vs Reading prediction, including how we think this one will unfold, team news and match odds. 

Team News

Max Bird missed Derby’s win at Bristol Rovers through injury, and he will also miss this home tie. Conor Hourihane could captain the side again, while Liam Thompson could be handed a start having impressed off the bench.

Meanwhile Reading named an unchanged side for their home defeat to Wycombe, and so we can expect a couple of changes from manager Ruben Selles. Sam Smith and Harvey Knibbs are expected to start as the main attacking threats once again, as the Royals look to move further clear of danger.

Match odds

Derby are 3/5 to win this match, with Reading priced at 18/5 to take all three points. A draw can be backed at 11/4, BTTS is 8/11 and you can back Derby with a -1 handicap at 7/4.

Derby to win and over 2.5 goals @ 6/4

It shouldn’t be a surprise to see me backing Paul Warne’s Derby to take all three points here. They are just getting going in the promotion race, and have now won their last two games 3-0. It just feels like this is the part of the season that Warne gets going, and he’s proven twice before that he knows how to get over the line at this level with Rotherham United.

With the experience of Hourihane, Dwight Gayle and Sonny Bradley, it feels like the Rams will have enough to get the job done. But they have to win games like this and win them well. Reading look like they will avoid relegation this term, but they are a below-average League One outfit. Selles has done well to keep their heads above water, but they are leaking goals of late, and may find life tough at Pride Park.

Dwight Gayle to score first @ 5/1

After just three league goals in 45 appearances, and no goals in the first half of this campaign for Stoke City, it’s fair to say many had written off Dwight Gayle. However, this is a man who has consistently scored EFL goals throughout his career, and played in the Premier League. Now 34, the deadly finisher has found his feet again after joining Derby on loan in January.

He’s started the last three matches, scored in his last two, and looks to be the perfect focal point for Warne’s system. He’s supported by talented forwards and Derby are creating plenty of chances at this moment in time. The man who scored 23 goals for West Brom in the Championship just five seasons ago isn’t done yet. He still looks a class above at this level, and I’m more than happy to back him to find the net first against Reading.

Check out our other Football Betting Tips here.