ENGLAND: Championship
Reading FC
- L
- D
- D
- D
- L
vs
Derby County
- W
- L
- W
- W
- W
Kick-off
19:00 GMT
03 August 2018
The long-awaited start to the 2018/19 EFL Championship season is finally upon us and it begins on Friday night with Frank Lampard’s Derby side travelling South to face Reading at the Madejski Stadium.
STATS
- Reading were extremely underwhelming last season, forcing them to wait until the final day of the campaign to confirm their safety. They’ll want to put that 20th-place finish behind them and push for the play-offs this time around. Their pre-season was less than impressive as they failed to win any of their six friendlies. Their final one came at home to Crystal Palace where they were taken apart and hammered 4-0.
- Derby managed to snatch the last place in the play-offs last term but, as they have done so many times, failed to perform when the pressure was on. They were beaten by Fulham over two legs in the play-off semi-final but with Lampard in charge, there’s optimism in the air at Pride Park. They won four of their five friendlies with a 2-1 win over Premier League Wolves rounding off a strong pre-season.
- Modou Barrow was Reading’s top scorer last season and without his 10 goals, they would’ve been much closer to relegation.
Matej Vydra won the Championship golden boot last season with 21 league goals and Derby fans will want to see more of his goalscoring exploits over the next 10 months.
HEAD TO HEAD
The recent meetings between the two sides have been very even with both sides getting a win each in the last five along with three draws. This fixture last season was an interesting one as it ended 3-3, Derby went ahead early on before Reading turned the game on its head. Then, Derby scored twice to make it 3-2 before an 80th minute home goal gave the Royals a valuable point. In the last three games, there have been 17 goals and this could follow the same pattern.
READING NEWS
The hosts must start this season strongly and three points on Friday would certainly help their cause. Garath McCleary won’t be rushed back after recovering from a broken ankle while Jordan Obita and Chris Gunter are both expected to miss out.
Latest matches: Reading FC
| 28.07.2018 |  Club |
Reading FC | Crystal Palace | 0:4 | L |
| 20.07.2018 | Club |
FC Rubin Kazan | Reading FC | 0:0 | D |
| 17.07.2018 | Club |
Reading FC | Besiktas JK | 2:2 | D |
| 14.07.2018 | Club |
Reading FC | Fulham FC | 0:0 | D |
| 07.07.2018 | Club |
AFC Wimbledon | Reading FC | 4:2 | L |
DERBY NEWS
Derby are certainly a side that are aiming for promotion this season and they need to start on the right foot against Reading. Vydra has returned to training and should play on Friday night but Ikechi Anya and Marcus Olsson are unavailable. Latest matches: Derby County
28.07.2018
ClubDerby County
Wolverhampton Wanderers
2:1
W
25.07.2018
ClubCoventry City
Derby County
0:1
W
21.07.2018
ClubDerby County
Southampton FC
3:0
W
18.07.2018
ClubMansfield Town
Derby County
3:1
L
14.07.2018
ClubNotts County
Derby County
1:4
W
SUMMARY
It’s tough to pick a winner in this one with it being the opening game of the season. However, after a strong pre-season and with a few key additions to the squad, Derby go into the match as slight favourites. Reading need to use their home advantage and avoid conceding an early goal to have a chance of winning. It has the potential to be a great start to the campaign.
03 August 2018 - 19:00 GMT
ENGLAND: ChampionshipAbout the author - Tampines -Tanjong Pagar
- Tampines: Tampines Football Club, also known as Tampines Rovers, is a professional soccer team based in Singapore. They compete in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) and have a rich history in Singaporean football. Here are some key points to consider about Tampines:
Strengths:
- Experienced Squad: Tampines Rovers have a good mix of experienced players who bring a wealth of knowledge and skill to the team.
- Strong Attack: The team boasts several talented attacking players who are capable of creating scoring opportunities and finding the back of the net.
- Consistent Performers: Tampines Rovers have been consistently competitive in the SPL, often finishing near the top of the league table.
Weaknesses:
- Defensive Vulnerabilities: At times, Tampines Rovers have shown vulnerabilities in their defense, which can lead to conceding goals.
- Inconsistency: While they have had successful campaigns in the past, there have been instances where they struggled to maintain a consistent performance level.
- Tanjong Pagar: Tanjong Pagar United Football Club is another Singaporean soccer team that participates in the Singapore Premier League. After a hiatus, they made a return to the league in recent years. Here's an assessment of Tanjong Pagar:
Strengths:
- Resurgence: After their return to the SPL, Tanjong Pagar has shown resilience and determination to re-establish themselves as a competitive team.
- Young Talent: The team has invested in young players, giving them opportunities to develop and showcase their abilities.
- Fighting Spirit: Tanjong Pagar has displayed a never-give-up attitude, often putting up spirited performances even against stronger opponents.
Weaknesses:
- Limited Squad Depth: Tanjong Pagar may face challenges due to a relatively smaller squad and fewer resources compared to some other teams in the league.
- Defensive Fragility: The team has struggled with defensive solidity at times, leading to conceding goals more frequently.
Overall, Tampines Rovers have a stronger track record and a more established presence in the Singapore Premier League. They possess experienced players and have a history of competitive performances. On the other hand, Tanjong Pagar is a team that has been rebuilding and showing signs of progress. While they may face challenges, they have displayed resilience and a commitment to improvement.
It's important to note that soccer teams' performance can vary over time, so it's always a good idea to keep up with the latest news and updates on their progress.
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