The 2018/19 English Football League Championship season begins on Friday night. The opening match of the season is between Reading and Derby County at the Madejski Stadium.
The hosts found themselves in a battle against the drop last season and finished the campaign in 20th place, just 3 points clear of Barnsley who went down. The Royals will be managed by Paul Clement and are considered outsiders to win promotion this season.
Derby County claimed the fourth and final playoff spot last season, finishing sixth in the Championship. However, the Rams lost 2-1 to Fulham over two legs in the playoff semi-final and Gary Rowett left the club to take over at Stoke City. Derby appointed former Chelsea midfielder, Frank Lampard.
Reading have endured an extremely tough preseason and their friendly results have been poor. They have played six matches and failed to win any of them. Reading have lost three matches to Eastleigh, AFC Wimbledon and Crystal Palace, the latter of which was their most recent game and ended 4-0 to the visitors.
Reading have found scoring goals to be difficult recently and the 2 goals they scored in a draw with Besiktas was their only goals in their last four matches. Their home form in the Championship last season was poor and trends show Reading won three of their last fifteen home games.
Derby County did well to reach the playoffs last season and will be hoping to build on that by pushing for automatic promotion. However, they have an untried manager in Frank Lampard, who despite his vast playing experience at club and international level, has never managed a football club.
Preseason has looked much more promising than their opponents and Derby County have won four and lost one of their five friendly games. There have been wins over Notts County, Southampton, Coventry City and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Derby Country particularly impressed against the two Premier League teams and have scored goals in each of their five preseason matches.
Away form in the Championship towards the end of last season was poor and Derby County lost three of their final four away fixtures. There were defeats at Wolverhampton Wanderers, Burton Albion and Fulham.
In fact, trends show Derby County won only one of their last ten away Championship games and that will need to improve if they want to finish in the top two places this season.
Looking ahead to the team news and Reading could start all three of their new signings with Andy Yiadom, David Meyler and Sam Baldock all pushing for a place in the team. Tyler Blackett is suspended and Liam Moore could be on the move following a transfer request.
Derby County will be without Chris Martin and there are doubts over striker Matej Vydra and full-back Ikechi Anya. Jack Marriott, Florian Jozefzoon, Harry Wilson and Mason Mount could all make their debut.
Reading’s preseason suggests they could be set for another struggle in the bottom half of the table whereas Derby County have picked up some positive results. If the Rams can bring their preseason form into this match, they should take maximum points.