Preview: Reading vs. Derby County - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts, who have been deducted four points this season, are languishing in 21st place in the League One table, while the hosts are currently sitting in third position.

Match preview

Although Reading are at risk of suffering back-to-back relegations, the club's ownership situation has dominated headlines in the last couple of weeks.

Their recent home game against Port Vale was abandoned in the 16th minute after supporters invaded the pitch in protest against the club's owner Dai Yongge.

The English Football League have since told Dai that he must "fund the club adequately" or "make immediate arrangements to sell", but with a takeover yet to be completed, Reading boss Ruben Selles must do his best to focus his attention on matters on the pitch.

Selles saw his side fall to a narrow 1-0 defeat to Wigan Athletic on Saturday, bringing an end to their six-game unbeaten league run and leaving them four points adrift of safety.

While they are preparing for a tough test on Tuesday, the Royals can take confidence from the fact they have won their last two home matches.

After winning back-to-back league games against Fleetwood Town and Burton Albion, Derby would have been disappointed to play out a goalless draw in Saturday's away clash with Lincoln City.

However, Paul Warne can be pleased with his side's overall form, having seen his team lose just one of their previous 13 league matches (W10, D2).

With the Rams proving to be a tough team to beat, they are currently sitting two points behind second-placed Peterborough and three points adrift of leaders Portsmouth.

Due to their superior goal difference compared to Pompey, Derby will move to the top of the table if they can claim their 10th away win of the League One season.

Having scored more away goals than any team in the division, the Rams will fancy their chances of troubling a Reading side that currently has the third-worst defensive record in the third tier.

Reading League One form:

W

D

D

W

D

L

Reading form (all competitions):

D

D

W

L

D

L

Derby County League One form:

W

W

L

W

W

D

Derby County form (all competitions):

W

L

W

L

W

D

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Team News

Reading are unable to call upon defender Nelson Abbey, who is on the verge of completing a move away from the club.

Tom Holmes will make his second consecutive start since completing a transfer to Luton Town and returning on a loan deal until the end of the season.

Having scored six goals in 15 league appearances, Sam Smith will continue to spearhead the Reading attack in Tuesday's home fixture.

As for the Rams, they are expected to be without the injured quartet of Jake Rooney, Craig Forsyth, Martyn Waghorn and Conor Washington.

Tyreece John-Jules could return to the starting lineup after dropping down to the bench for Saturday's clash with Lincoln.

James Collins will continue to lead the line for the visitors, with the experienced striker looking to add to a 12-goal tally for the League One season.

Reading possible starting lineup:

Button; Yiadom, Bindon, Holmes, Dorsett; Azeez, Wing, Craig, Knibbs, Mukairu; Smith

Derby County possible starting lineup:

Vickers; Wilson, Nelson, Cashin, Elder; Barkhuizen, Bird, Hourihane, Mendez-Laing; John-Jules; Collins

We say: Reading 1-3 Derby County

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