With a place still in the balance for the Rams, the stakes have been raised and the tension increased as their final League game of the ordinary season in the Championship will be screened live on Sky Sports HD 12.15pm Saturday May 2nd.
Derby have a very poor record against Reading but the Rams need just a point to secure a place in the play-off semi finals.
After last seasons loss to QPR with the last few kicks of the final play-off game at Wembley, nerves will again be stretched to the limit, both on the field and off. What crueler blow could there be, if the Rams fail to even reach the play-offs this time around?
A purse of over £90m awaits the eventual winner of the Championship play-offs and the riches the Premiership brings.