Derby v Reading preview

Royals bid to avoid the drop against doomed Rams

Last updated: 9th May 2008

Steve Coppell Reading Premier League Football Arsenal

Coppell: Tense times

PREDICTIONS:

Skysports.com's prediction: 1-2

SKY BET odds: Derby 5/1, Draw 3/1, Reading 8/15

One to Watch: Marek Matejovsky

Bet on Sunday's match



Related links

Teams

Also see

Reading travel to Pride Park on Sunday to take on Derby in their final game of the season facing the prospect of Premier League relegation.

If fellow strugglers Fulham record three points away to Portsmouth, it is likely that Reading - who occupy the final spot in the top-flight's drop zone - will be heading for the Championship.

Reading boss Steve Coppell has bemoaned the fact that safety is out of his side's hands as even a victory may not be enough with a number of other possible permutations also condemning the Royals to the drop.

Meanwhile, Derby have no such mathematical headache and have long since been resigned to their immediate return to the second tier of English football.

The Rams will also be heading down as the worst side in the history of the Premier League as it is now impossible for them to surpass Sunderland's previous record low tally of 15 points.

Little doubt

Derby have also notched only one league victory this term, at home to Newcastle in September, and manager Paul Jewell - who joined the club in November - will be keen to end the campaign on a high with his first win.

Jewell will be boosted by the return of Stephen Pearson, Mo Camara, Gary Teale, Lewin Nyatanga and Stephen Bywater from loan spells away from Pride Park and midfielder David Jones could feature after recovering from an ankle injury.

However, Dean Leacock is definitely out as the defender is set to undergo surgery on a hernia problem next week, while Jay McEveley (hamstring) faces a late fitness test.

Reading will be without record-signing Emerse Fae, who remains suspended by the club after refusing to play in a reserve game.

Winger Glenn Little is doubtful after picking up a calf injury and Marek Matejovsky could step in.

Derby v Reading. Click here to bet.