To say this game could define our season is probably an exaggerated claim, but after a poor run of seven games without a victory, when you have the prospect of facing bottom of the table at home, you really should be winning. Our opponents Blackpool had a dreadful start to the season, on and off the pitch, but it finally seems some sanity is being restored there.
Vital Quotes:
Reading boss Nigel Adkins – ‘”I`ll tell the players to be positive, get on the front foot and believe in themselves. We`ve got good players, we`ve got a good team and at this moment in time we`ve got to show that grit, passion and resilience to keep going and doing the basics well. If a team is together everyone achieves more and if everyone can go do that we have an opportunity.”
Reading Team News:
Nigel Adkins could welcome back Danny Guthrie to the Royals squad, as he played 45 minutes in training yesterday, meaning he could make the bench. Defender Anton Ferdinand also played in that training ground game, but once again, will not be considered for selection.
Good news from that was also that both Danny Williams & Garath McCleary got some game time under their belts for the first time this season, but won’t be involved. However, skipper Jem Karacan is still a few weeks away and Shaun Cummings is a long-term absentee.
Player to watch: Hal Robson-Kanu
Since coming back into the side and having success on the international stage, HRK is yet to prove his worth to the Royals this season. In his defence, he would have been building match fitness, but he now needs to prove he can do it for his club, as well as his country.
Blackpool Team News:
Blackpool’s relatively small squad is not helped by a few injuries, with the experience of Gary MacKenzie and Steven Davies still missing. A late fitness test will be given to José Miguel Cubero, while Francois Zoko will be pushing for a start, after injury.
Player to watch: Nathan Delfouneso
The former Aston Villa forward failed to exploit his potential in the Premier League, but seems happy to prove himself in the Championship with Blackpool. He possess great pace on either flank, as well as being capable playing as a central striker.
Expected line-ups:
Reading – 4-2-3-1: Federici; Gunter, Pearce, Hector, Obita; Akpan, Norwood; Blackman, Cox, Robson-Kanu; Murray.
Blackpool – 4-5-1: Lewis; Daniels, Rentmeister, Clarke, Dielna; Oriol, Perkins, Lundstram, Orlandi, Delfouneso; Miller.
Ref Watch:
The man in the middle will be Gavin Ward, who on his last visit to the Madejski Stadium, was the referee in our promotion-winning game against Nottingham Forest in April 2012. The last time he was in charge of Blackpool, they were beaten 1-0 by Bournemouth last season.
Match Prediction:
Considering our recent run, this is a must win for Adkins, because of the pressure he is under, and the squad, because of their obvious confidence issues. I think Blackpool’s pace on the counter will pose a threat, but we should have enough on the ball to outscore them.
Vital Reading prediction: Reading 3 – 1 Blackpool
Next Fixtures:
Reading – Blackburn (A) – Sat 1st November – SkyBet Championship
Blackpool – Ipswich (H) – Sat 1st November – SkyBet Championship
