After a month in charge as caretaker manager, its officially Brian McDermott’s first game in complete control of the Royals and for the first time in the league since boxing day, we are at home. Barnsley arrive at the Madejski Stadium clear of the relegation after new manager Mark Robins turned round their poor early season form. McDermott will hope he can have the same impact…..
Vital Quotes:
Brian McDermott –
‘The fans were really important against Burnley last week and if we can give them something to cheer about then they will get behind us. They are fabulous fans to play for, even if it is going poorly they don`t get on the players` backs. All that I would ask them for is to give the players 100-per-cent support because it means a lot to them’
Brian Howard –
‘It`s another one of my old clubs. I was only there a year ago and I haven`t had the opportunity to play against them since I left. Hopefully when I have come on as a sub in the last couple of games I have done enough to start. I`m hoping I`ll be there raring to go from the first minute and be one of those characters to turn it around. It`s a game I am desperate to win. Every time you come up against an old team you want to win. I feel like I did alright when I came on against Sheffield. I passed the ball well, got forward and stuck my foot in, so I`m hoping I`ve done enough to start.’
Reading Team News:
Zurab Khizanishvili is likely to start his first game in Royals colours but there are a number of players he could replace. Ivar Ingimarsson and Kalifa Cisse have hardly covered themselves in glory lately so the on loan Georgian could either play in midfield, or his more natural position at the back. Simon Church is also hoping for a recall after being rested at Sheffield United whilst Brynjar Gunnarsson also returns after missing the trip to Bramall Lane.
Player to watch: Zurab Khizanishvili
Georgian is set to make his debut at the Madejski Stadium and will be hoping to stop the flow of goals that have been flying in from the opposition in recent weeks in the league.
Barnsley Team News:
Barnsley will continue to make do without the long term injured Rob Kozluk and Bobby Hassell. However Daniel Bogdanovic will return from a knee injury to take his place upfront.
Player to watch: Iain Hume
Has finally returned to the Barnsley side this season after a terrible injury sustained from a blatent assault from Sheffield Utd’s Chris Morgan last season. If the Canadian born striker can rediscover the goal scoring touch he had before that blow, he will be a threat.
Last Meeting
Barnsley 1-3 Royals. 29th August 2009
Match Prediction:
Were at home, against opposition that on paper we would like to think we can beat. 1-1 draw it is then!
Next Fixture:
Saturday 6th February 2010 Doncaster (A)
