Derby vs Reading Betting Tips

Reading have made some improvements since the return of Brian McDermott last month but are still looking some way short of the side that started the season quite strongly. The Royals have won two and lost two in the league since the return of the man who guided them to their most recent promotion and they drew 2-2 at Huddersfield in the FA Cup at the weekend to earn a replay.

Derby meanwhile came from behind to win at Hartlepool in the Cup but will be much more interested in securing promotion to the Premier League and they are on course to do just that.

They were though beaten 2-0 at leaders Middlesbrough last time out but had only lost once in 19 matches prior to that and they have won 7 of their last 8 home games. 6 of those 7 wins were by 2 or more goals and they will be confident of repeating that here.

Reading have lost their last 6 Championship away games so a trip to 2nd placed Derby is surely going to result in a 7th straight defeat. Three of those defeats were by 2 goals or more and the Rams certainly have the quality to exploit their defensive weaknesses and at 2.250 when starting with a -1.0 Asian Handicap, Derby look very good indeed.

They’ve won 2 of their last 4 home games by 2-0 margins and Reading haven’t been scoring that many of late and sold top scorer Nick Blackman to the Rams only last week. Therefore consider backing a 2-0 Derby win at 8/1.