Derby County vs Reading kicks off at 7.45pm on Tuesday 12 March

Derby County are riding high after two consecutive 3-0 wins against Port Vale and Bristol Rovers.

They reclaimed second place in League One on Saturday after rivals were caught dropping points amid the Rams' fantastic trip to Bristol.

Paul Warne's side are in a prime position for promotion as things stand, but as we saw on Saturday, the table can change very quickly.

This makes tonight's clash with Reading another must win as Derby are looking to go on a run and cement their place in the top two.

Ahead of the game Paul Warne told Rams TV that he knows how much of a challenge it could prove to be. He said:

"Their team, on paper, is as good as any other team in this league. I just think, if we're at our very best, then we are hard to beat. It's about us trying to get ourselves into that mindset.

"Hopefully Pride Park will be bouncing and we can get another three points. I fully respect what Reading are doing, they are the best pressing team in the league, which cannot be underestimated.

"They've got goals throughout their team and they are a real threat, so we are well aware of how good they could be."

Despite Warne's praises, Reading are languishing down the bottom end of League One due to a poor financial situation and points deductions.

However, the Royals have already beaten the Rams when Derby made the trip down to Reading earlier this season.

Much of Derby's success has come courtesy of Nathaniel Mendez-Laing who has broken the Derby County record for the most league assists in one season.

Paul Warne said that his importance has been unquestionable: "He doesn't take much motivation. He wants to do well and he gets frustrated when things don't go well.

"I think his performances this year have been pretty phenomenal and there have been times where I've said to the lads: 'if anything happens to Nat, we're in trouble.'

"I think his performances this year have been brilliant and what he's surprised me with is that he just seems fitter. To play for me isn't easy and to get the amount of minutes he has is testament to him."

Paul Warne will be hoping that Mendez-Laing and the rest of his players can avoid a winless season against Reading and earn three points to keep them in the top two tonight.