Don’t worry, just six league games to go, it is nearly over! We come up against recent FA Cup quarter-finalists Blackburn Rovers tomorrow, who have struggled with similar inconsistency to us in the league, albeit they occupy a much better league position in tenth.
The best occasion of the day though is the fruition of the superb community project that is #RyansRoyals. A fantastic project composed by skipper Jem Karacan and others, as we will wear a one-off shirt designed by young, disabled fan Ryan Duval. Please do read more about it by using the #RyansRoyals hashtag on Twitter.
Vital Quotes:
Reading manager Steve Clarke – ‘The reason I got the job was the team wasn`t functioning very well under the previous manager. Results weren`t very good and I don`t think that much has changed. So it probably says a lot about the squad we have just now. Can I pinpoint what`s wrong? Yes. But it`s not for publication. I know exactly where I want to go in the summer. But the summer takes care of itself. We`ve got seven games left, hopefully eight. That`s all I`m focused on now.”
Blackburn boss Gary Bowyer – ‘Knowing Steve Clarke he will want to win the game. I went and watched them on Tuesday night at Blackpool and he’s got a great squad. They’ve got some big names and some big players, so I’m surprised where they are in the league with the squad that they’ve got. I saw Steve’s comments yesterday that he’s identified what the problem was but didn’t want to make it public, so obviously he can’t wait for the summer to try and put his own stamp on his squad.’
Reading Team News:
Steve Clarke will be hoping that Michael Hector recovers from a knock to start in this game, especially with fellow defender Anton Ferdinand still on the sidelines. Full-backs Jure Travner and Stephen Kelly still remain out of action for a few weeks.
On-loan Chelsea midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah is still expected to miss out, while Danny Williams will be given a late fitness test to determine whether he is fit. Simon Cox made his injury come back off the bench against Blackpool, so could start this one.
Player to watch: Pavel Pogrebnyak
The big Russian has really been on form in recent games, scoring three in four outings. Clarke bought him off the bench against Blackpool, where he made an immediate impact in our equaliser, so will likely to be in the starting XI once again.
Blackburn Team News:
Gary Bowyer has his fair share of injury issues too. Defender Alex Baptiste came off against Liverpool with a knock, but should be fit. Defender Grant Hanley is edging closer to a return, but is likely to miss out. Experienced midfielder David Dunn is sidelined.
Pacey forward Josh King could return from injury, but former Millwall winger Chris Taylor and forward Chris Brown will both miss out through injury. The defensive duo of Jason Lowe and Shane Duffy won’t play again before the end of the season.
Player to watch: Rudy Gestede
The Rovers frontman has been in superb form this season and has been a real handful for most defenders this campaign, scoring 14 goals in 27 starts. He was benched against Liverpool in midweek, so will be fresh and ready to make an impact from the start tomorrow.
Match Facts & Stats
Reading – 4-4-1-1: Federici; Gunter, Pearce, Hector, Obita; McCleary, Ake, Norwood, Robson-Kanu; Mackie, Pogrebnyak.
Blackburn – 4-4-2: Steele; Henley, Spurr, Kilgallon, Olsson; Marshall, Evans, Williamson, Cairney; Gestede, Rhodes.
Ref Watch:
The man in the middle will be Michael Ball, who has only officiated a handful of Championship fixtures this season. This will be the first time he would have taken charge of either of these teams. In terms of discipline, he seems to like dishing out yellows, having done so in every game he has officiated this campaign.
Match Prediction:
It’s a tough one to call, as it’s hard to tell which Reading side is going to actually turn up, with the same probably said of Blackburn. Rovers had a tough test against Liverpool three days ago, so it could be tough on the legs, but I can see a third draw in a row for the Royals.
Vital Reading prediction: Reading 1 – 1 Blackburn
Next Fixtures:
Reading – Bournemouth (H) – Tues 14th April – SkyBet Championship
Blackburn – Birmingham (A) – Tues 14th April – SkyBet Championship
