Reading v Derby predictions, betting tips, lineups and odds (Championship - 3.8.2018)

The new EFL season kicks off on Friday night as Reading host Derby County in the Championship opening match Who will win the curtain raiser? Read below our Reading vs Derby betting preview with betting tips, predictions, probable lineups, team news, best odds, bookie offers and no deposit free bets!

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Reading v Derby betting preview  

Reading’s preparations for the new season were far from satisfying

Reading managed to win only 10 league games last season and concluded the campaign just 3 points above the relegation zone. They ended a challenging summer with a 4-0 loss to Crystal Palace meaning that the Royals haven’t been able to return to the winning ways through the pre-season. They also suffered defeats at the hands of Eastleigh (2-1) and AFC Wimbledon (4-2) but managed to draw against Fulham (0-0), Besiktas (2-2) and Rubin Kazan (0-0). Anyway, after an unimpressive transfer campaign, Reading are arguably looking weaker than they did ahead of last season’s 20th place finish.

Garath McCleary and Jordan Obita remain sidelined, while Monday's arrival Sam Baldock is short of pre-season minutes following his move from Brighton. Plus, Tyler Blackett serves the final instalment of a suspension picked up at the back-end of last season. New signings Andy Yiadom and David Meyler should feature from the off while Moudou Barrow and Sone Aluko are expected to play out wide in the front trio. In defense, Leandro Bacuna is out through injury while talismanic defender Liam Moore is unlikely to play after handing in a transfer request last week.

Derby looked sharp in pre-season and will be looking to start strong the season itself

For the fourth successive season Derby County start their season with a new manager. This year the Rams will be guided by Frank Lampard. The regular promotion chasers look set for a strong campaign this term, with Lampard making smart signings and implementing an attacking style of play. The Rams have been in excellent pre-season form, beating Wolves (2-1), Coventry City (0-1), Southampton (3-0) and Notts County (1-4). Their only loss came at Mansfield Town (3-1) on their second outing. Plus, they were beaten just five times on their travels last term and should arrive in Berkshire high on confidence.

Derby have made some exciting additions this summer, with Mason Mount and Florian Jozefzoon set to make competitive debuts. Tom Huddlestone is struggling with a groin problem and is a major doubt while Marcus Olsson and Ikechi Anya have been ruled out of the season-opener. Jack Marriot is expected to lead the line, with Matej Vidra viable alternative upfront. The likes of Andre Wisdom, Richard Keogh, Curtis Davies and Craig Forsyth will form the four man backline.

Reading v Derby Starting Lineups   

Reading (4-3-3): Mannone; Yiadom, McShane, Ilori, Gunter; Swift, Meyler, Kelly; Barrow, Aluko, Baldock

Derby (4-2-3-1): Carson; Wisdom, Keogh, Davies, Forsyth; Huddlestone, Johnson; Wilson, Mount, Jozefzoon; Marriott

Reading v Derby Best Odds 

Looking for the best odds in order to maximise your profits? Here at BetAndSkill.com we strive to provide you with the best prices on all the English Championship fixtures we analyse, and you can find below the highest prices on Reading vs Derby match winner market. We show the odds as decimal but you can learn how to convert odds from decimal to UK odds (fractional) in few simple steps here.

• Reading3.40Bet
• The Draw 3.34Bet
• Derby2.40Bet

Reading v Derby Betting Tips  

The English Championship is arguably one of the most unpredictable football leagues. Anyway, our professional tipsters made good profits on lower leagues and you can find below our free tips on Reading v Derby. Back our predictions as singles or use a Bet365 Bet Builder tool (such as Betfair's Same Game Multi or BetVictor's PriceItUp Builder) to place all these recommended bets in a unique bet.

• Derby County to win 2.40Bet
• 0-2 Correct Score  11.50Bet
• Mount Anytime Goalscorer  4.75Bet
• Derby first team to score    1.90Bet

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