By Mark Sugar
January 29 2004

After a 2 week break,the Royals are back at the Madejski Stadium with the visitors Derby County.George Burley's Rams side have been struggling in the Division this season,and although this looks an easy game on paper Reading will have to be at there best.History indicates goals in this game. Reading Vs Derby County
31st January 2004
Nationwide Division 1
Madejski Stadium,Kick Off 15:00pm

Team News
Steve Coppell looks to have pretty much a fully fit squad after a 2 week break.
The only major concern to report is Scott Murray is rated doubtful.The midfielder scored the only goal in the victory over Nottingham Forest but picked up a late knock in the game.
Lloyd Owusu is able to play.His loan spell from Sheffield Wednesday expires on the 14th February.
Dave Kitson,Ricky Newman and James Harper will be looking for a place in the 16 after not featuring against Forest.Newman and Harper played in the 2-1 loss to Preston North End in the FA Cup 3rd Round Replay.
Andy Hughes will be looking to reclaim his place back in the side after only being named as a substitute against Nottingham Forest.
Jamie Ashdown,Nathan Tyson and Joe Gamble won't feature.All 3 are on loan at there respective clubs.Ashdown being at Rushden & Diamonds,Tyson at Wycombe Wanderers and Gamble at Barnet.
Steve Brown and Steve Sidwell suffered a training ground collision on Thursday,but both players should be ok.
Omar Daley and Simieon Howell are away on International duty with Jamaica as they look to qualify for the Olympic Games due to take place in Athens,Greece later this year.

Derby County will be expecting to include Noel Whelan in there side.This comes after he signed a short term deal this week.
Former Aston Villa midfielder Ian Taylor is suspended after 10 bookings this season.
The Rams should include loanee signings Rob Edwards from Aston Villa and Leon Osman from David Moyes Everton.
Brazilian striker Junior is still out with a knee injury.The former Walsall player hasn't featured since September.
Goalkeeper Andy Oakes has a wrist injury and hasn't featured since October.
German Winger Marco Reich picked up a slight knock in the 2-0 victory over Sheffield United on Wednesday night but should play.

KEY PLAYER FOR DERBY:Tom Huddlestone

Form Guide
Reading last featured on the 17th January and a Scott Murray goal was enough to beat Forest 1-0
Derby County beat Sheffield United last night at Pride Park.

Previous Meetings
23/08/2003 Derby 2-3 Reading
28/12/2002 Reading 2-1 Derby
10/08/2002 Derby 3-0 Reading
13/01/1996 Derby 3-0 Reading
19/08/1995 Reading 3-2 Derby
11/02/1995 Reading 1-0 Derby
02/11/1994 Derby 1-2 Reading

Tickets and Travel

A crowd of 16,000 is expected and tickets can be purshased before the game by telephone,by the official Reading FC website or by going down to the stadium yourself.

Division 1 Fixtures

Saturday January 31st 2004
Cardiff City Vs Nottingham Forest 15:00
Coventry City Vs Ipswich Town 15:00
Crewe Vs Millwall 15:00
Crystal Palace Vs Wimbledon 15:00
Gillingham Vs Bradford City 15:00
Norwich Vs Sheff United 15:00
Reading Vs Derby County 15:00
Stoke City Vs Walsall 15:00
Sunderland Vs Preston North End 15:00
West Brom Vs Watford 15:00
West Ham United Vs Rotherham United 15:00
Wigan Athletic Vs Burnley 15:00