Here are the key issues facing Royals boss Mark Bowen as his side looks to get back to winning ways against Derby County this weekend.

Is playing the ball short from goal-kicks working?

This season, players can collect a short goal kick from the keeper within the area before looking to build attacks from defence.

Reading have tried this throughout the season, but I’m struggling to see the benefits of deploying this tactic.

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 All too often, the defence finds itself being placed under unnecessary pressure as opposing strikers close down high up the pitch.

Without meaning to sound archaic, perhaps going long once in a while may not harm. If Mark Bowen would like to see his side play out from goal kicks, more options need to come from the midfield and full backs after the ball is played out – otherwise Reading are forced to go long and the whole exercise has essentially been a waste of time anyway.

Best strike partnership?

Reading have now used ten strike partnerships so far this season.

For one reason or another, things haven’t gone Reading’s way offensively so far this season. George Puscas and Yakou Meite have six goals and five goals respectively, but both Lucas Joao and Sam Baldock have better minutes per goal ratios.

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If Reading are going to go on ascend the table in the second half of the season, Mark Bowen will need to find a consistency in his selection with the forwards should he hope for more goals from his front men.

Time for Olise?

One man that I think deserves more of a look under Mark Bowen is Michael Olise.

Although the manager confirmed that John Swift will be available in some capacity on Saturday, should he not be fit enough to start I’d like to see the youngster get his chance, especially if Reading line up with four in defence.

With Rinomhota and Pele providing adequate support and cover for the defence, Olise’s inclusion alongside Ejaria further up the pitch could give Reading another option going forward.

He’s sure to be raring to prove himself to Bowen having not featured under the new boss so far and with plenty of fixtures coming up, I think he should be given a chance in at least one game from the start – even if that game isn’t on Saturday.

Capitalizing on Derby’s dire away form

In recent matches, The Rams have really struggled away from home. In fact, they’ve lost five consecutive games on the road, failing to score in any of them.

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It’s imperative that Mark Bowen sets his side up to control the game from the off and look for an early goal.

Should Reading take the lead early on, that familiar sinking feeling may return to the minds of the Derby players. Reading need to capitalize upon this.