The Royals will look to bounce back from the 1-0 defeat at home to Swansea, when we travel to Bristol City on Tuesday night. The home side sit bottom of the table and were beaten by Cardiff at the weekend despite taking a 2-0 lead in the match.
This was expected to be a match up with Reading legend Steve Coppell when the fixtures were announced but his sudden departure in August has left Keith Millen in charge of the Robins, and results have not gone as expected and they have picked up just 6 points so far.
A full match preview is here…
Vital Quotes:
Noel Hunt, who is desperate to start –
‘Whatever the manager does we`ll be geared up and ready for a good game at Bristol City. Whatever way the gaffer plays it`s good to have competitive strikers in the squad.’
Defender Zurab Kizhanishvili –
‘You have to respect every team before you play, they were 2-0 up and lost on the weekend, but even if I said they might not be at their best, I could be wrong. We just have to be ready for it.
Bristol City Team News:
The home will still be without strikers Nicky Maynard and Sam Vokes who remain on the sidelines with knee and hamstring injuries.
Kalifa Cisse could return to the squad after missing the defeat to Cardiff but is only likely to be on the bench against his former club.
Player to watch: David James
The former England number 1 has had a poor start to his City career and the Royals will look to pile more misery on the goalkeeper in this encounter.
Reading Team News:
Brian Howard looks likely to return to midfield after suspension meaning the ineffective Hal Robson Kanu will be dropped, with Jobi McAnuff moving back to the wing.
Noel Hunt is in line to replace Shane Long, who has not scored from open play this season.
Player to watch: Noel Hunt
Striker has endured 18 months of injury hell but has declared himself fully fit and desperate to start in this game. I think most Royals fans would love to see him start also.
Last Meeting
Reading 2-0 Bristol City, Saturday 13th March 2010
Match Prediction:
We need to bounce back from the home defeat to Swansea and will be looking to take three points against the leagues bottom side. These kind of games are not easy though and I think we will have to settle for a draw, 1-1.
Next Fixture:
Saturday 23rd October, Burnley (A)
