Derby County and Reading square off at Pride Park on Saturday afternoon aware that they are under pressure to deliver an improved effort in the Championship.
While the Rams claimed 10th spot last season after a slow start, Reading also built some momentum during the middle part of the campaign to finish in 14th position.
Match preview
After nothing more than a solid first season in English football, Derby head coach Philip Cocu will be aware that he can ill-afford a poor beginning to the new campaign.
However, the Dutchman is tasked with securing a playoff spot having seen several first-teamers depart Pride Park, including duo Jayden Bogle and Max Lowe, who have linked up with Sheffield United.
With Cocu unlikely to receive a large portion of the £15m which has been generated from those sales, he must continue to assess his options in the market with his Rams squad looking slightly thin on the ground.
That became further evident as Derby struggled against EFL newcomers Barrow in the EFL Cup last weekend, eventually requiring penalties to progress into the next round.
While there is still time for several fresh faces to arrive in the East Midlands, extra reliance will be put on key man Wayne Rooney over the coming weeks and months.
As a result of the surprise departure of Mark Bowen, Reading have moved to appoint Veljko Paunovic - a man who has recently spent time in charge of MLS club Chicago Fire - as his replacement.
The move from the Royals hierarchy has understandably divided opinion, especially on the back of Bowen having done brilliantly to ensure that the club did not encounter a relegation battle during the second half of last season.
Although there has been minimal movement in the transfer market with regards to incomings, securing Ovie Ejaria's signature on a permanent basis is viewed as an important piece of business.
However, given the financial outlay on George Puscas last summer, Reading need the Romania star to improve on his 14 goals from 42 outings since his arrival.
Derby County form (all competitions): D
Reading form (all competitions): W
Team News
Rooney will be brought straight back into the Derby starting lineup after missing last week's EFL Cup fixture.
Martyn Waghorn, another absentee against Barrow, should return in place of Jack Marriott down the middle of the attack.
Andre Wisdom will likely move out to the right-hand side of defence to take the spot of Bogle.
As for Reading, Josh Laurent is expected to make his Championship debut after signing from Shrewsbury Town.
However, Ejaria is short of match fitness, something which could lead to the former Liverpool man beginning the game among the replacements.
Derby County possible starting lineup:
Marshall; Wisdom, Clarke, Wierik, Forsyth; Rooney, Bird; Holmes, Sibley, Knight; Waghorn
Reading possible starting lineup:
Cabral; Yiadom, Morrison, McIntyre, Richards; Laurent, Rinomhota; Meite, Swift, Olise; Joao
We say: Derby County 1-1 Reading
With key players having departed Derby, Cocu may be content with simply avoiding defeat at the weekend. However, Reading may adopt a similar approach, and we do not expect many fireworks at either end.
Top betting tip
Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting under 3.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Under 3.5:databody check tags ::
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