It’s a quick turnaround for both Reading and Barnsley, who game into this game on the back of different results. Nigel Adkins’ side picked up a 2-1 victory over Birmingham on the weekend and maintain strong play-off hopes, while the Tykes lost to Bournemouth on Saturday and are three points off safety.
Vital Quotes:
Reading manager Nigel Adkins – ‘It’s two games at home and we’ve all got to get behind the players, lift them, drive them on, generate energy for them and make them feel ten feet tall. We’ve got a great spirit, I know we’ve got quality, we’ve got to keep hanging in there and stay together.’
Barnsley boss Danny Wilson – ‘They play at a very high tempo. They’ve got players who have played in the Premier League and they’re going well for the play-offs. From where we are and our performance on Saturday there’s still fight in the dog. Reading is a tough assignment. It’s not something that fazes us. We’ve got to go there and look forward to the challenge. I certainly am.’
Reading Team News:
Reading’s main concern is the absence of Danny Guthrie, whose tenth yellow card means he serves a two-game suspension. With fellow midfielders Danny Williams, Jem Karacan and Mikele Leigertwood all out, this does give selection worries for Nigel Adkins.
Defender Sean Morrison is edging closer to a return, after getting a full game for the under 21 side on Monday night, but won’t be considered for this one. Left back Wayne Bridge is also out injured for this one, but will hopefully return to training next week.
Player to watch: Hope Akpan
With both Danny Williams and Danny Guthrie out injured, Akpan will be the leading figure in midfield and with some fans still undecided about him, he will want to make a good impression. He has proven his is capable of playing at this level, but his composure needs to improve.
Barnsley Team News:
Danny Wilson has a few injury concerns coming into this one, but is keeping his cards close to his chest. Experienced defender Peter Ramage is definitely out injured, while Jim O’Brien will also miss this one. Both Martin Craine and David Fox are doubts coming into the game.
Player to watch: Dale Jennings
The former Bayern Munich winger has returned to England after an unsuccessful period in Germany, but will want to recreate the form that interested the German giants in his abilities three years ago. A winger capable on playing on either side, with good technical ability.
Expected line-ups:
Reading – 4-5-1: McCarthy, Gunter, Pearce, Gorkss, Obita, Akpan, J.Taylor, McCleary, Drenthe, McAnuff, Pogrebnyak.
Barnsley – 4-4-2: Steele, McLaughlin, M’Voto, Nyatanga, Kennedy, Jennings, Woods, Mellis, Dawson, O’Grady, Pedersen.
Ref Watch:
The referee will be Stephen Martin, who is refereeing in the Championship for only his second season. This will be the first time he has refereed the Royals in his career, but has already refereed Barnsley this campaign, in their 1-0 loss at Blackpool back in August.
Match Prediction:
Our lack of centre midfield options is a worry, but we still should have enough quality to see of Barnsley and hopefully relight our home form, which has been stuttering in recent months.
Vital Reading prediction: Reading 3 – 1 Barnsley
Next Fixtures:
Reading – Huddersfield (H) – Saturday 29th March – SkyBet Championship
Barnsley – Yeovil (A) – Saturday 29th March – SkyBet Championship
