Midfield star missing in Derby County predicted XI vs Reading

Derby County are looking for three wins in a row this evening as they prepare to face 18th placed Reading at Pride Park Stadium.

The Rams have two 3-0 wins in a row and have got themselves back into second place, five points behind Portsmouth and one point clear from Bolton Wanderers.

Paul Warne will have a number of lineup decisions to make as midfield star Max Bird looks likely to miss a few weeks with a calf injury that he suffered in training.

Here is tonight's predicted lineup:

Formation: 3-4-3

Goalkeeper: Joe Wildsmith

Joe Wildsmith had been in quite poor form, but with two clean sheets in two games, he will have regained some confidence. Josh Vickers remains out injured and so Paul Warne's decision is much easier in picking his keeper.

Defender: Eiran Cashin

Eiran Cashin will start every game for the rest of the season assuming he doesn't face any sort of injury. A key player as always.

Defender: Sonny Bradley

Sonny Bradley has been excellent lately and has finally developed a nice relationship with Eiran Cashin and Curtis Nelson. He will be under pressure against an attacking Reading side tonight.

Defender: Curtis Nelson

Curtis Nelson will be pleased after two clean sheets in a row hoping that he can continue his good form tonight against Reading.

Left wing back: Louie Sibley

Louie Sibley has found a place in the starting lineup at the left wing back position. His hard tackling ability and attacking quality make it a perfect position for the 22 year-old.

Right wing back: Joe Ward

Joe Ward has become a key part of Derby's attacking play in the past two weeks, he has earnt his way into the starting XI and so will likely start again later tonight.

Centre midfield: Conor Hourihane

Conor Hourihane returned against Bristol Rovers after he was recovering from a knock. Derby's captain will be in the starting XI again this evening barring any sudden injury.

Centre midfield: Ebou Adams

Ebou Adams was quiet on Saturday despite the Rams' fantastic performance. He will be looking to get back to his well-involved self tonight and make a big impact against Reading.

Left wing: Tom Barkhuizen

Tom Barkhuizen put in a man of the match performance against Bristol Rovers scoring a wonderful goal along the way. He will be looking to score in consecutive games and help the Rams to another three points.

Right wing: Nathaniel Mendez-Laing

Mendez-Laing broke Derby County's assist record for one league season with two on Saturday against Bristol Rovers. He has been excellent recently and will be a big part of tonight's game.

Striker: Dwight Gayle

Dwight Gayle has now scored twice in just four appearances since he joined as a free agent last month. He will want to keep his scoring form going and will be desperate for another goal against Reading.