After a great night in the club’s history on Monday, as we reached an FA Cup semi-final for the first time in 88 years. However, it’s back to the realities of the league again, as Steve Clarke’s men prepare to face mid-table Charlton at the Valley. The London side have improved in recent months under new head coach Guy Luzon, and have no worries about relegation.
Vital Quotes:
Reading manager Steve Clarke – ‘”Saturday is an important game because if we can pick up three points and other results go our way then we`ll be almost clear from the bottom three, which is still our first aim. We want to secure our position in the Championship for next season and Saturday can be a big step on that journey. The players understand that the league is important for us and we want to finish as high up the league as we can.’
Charlton Team News:
Skipper Johnnie Jackson is still sidelined with injury, with no timescale being put on his return. Top scorer Igor Vetokele missed the Blackpool game on Tuesday night, through injury or being rested by Guy Luzon, but is expected to return to the side this coming Saturday.
Midfielder Franck Moussa is believed to be injured, but doesn’t seem to be in the new head coach’s plans at the moment anyway. Defender Rhoys Wiggins is also struggling with injury, while Tony Watt should be fit, after picking up a knock at Blackpool.
Player to watch: Johann Gudmundson
Charlton head coach Guy Luzon described him as Charlton’s David Beckham the other day, which is a very bold statement to make, but a set piece specialist he is. The Icelander already has eight goals to his name this season – an impressive tally for a midfielder.
Reading Team News:
Reading’s only fresh injury concern is Chelsea loanee Nathaniel Chalobah, who left the ground on Monday in a protective boot. Defender Stephen Kelly has missed the previous few games through injury and is set to miss out again, as will Anton Ferdinand.
Player to watch: Jamie Mackie
The on-loan Forest man cannot stop scoring at the moment! His goal against Bradford was his fourth in as many games, as it is becoming apparent he is much more comfortable in a central role, compared to out wide.
Expected line-ups:
Charlton – 4-4-2: Henderson; Solly, Gomez, Johnson, Fox; Gudmundson, Cousins, Buyens, Bulot; Vetokele, Watt.
Reading – 4-4-1-1: Federici; Gunter, Pearce, Hector, Obita; McCleary, Williams, Norwood, Robson-Kanu; Mackie, Pogrebnyak.
Ref Watch:
The man in the middle will be the experienced Darren Deadman, who is taking charge of his first Championship game in over four months. He officiated the Royals earlier in the season, as they were comfortably beaten 3-0 by Derby at the Madejski. Deadman has also taken charge of Charlton, as they drew away to Rotherham.
Match Prediction:
I can’t see Clarke rotating the team, considering we have an international break coming up, so I expect to see full strength. Charlton have been progressing steadily under their new boss and will be no pushovers. With neither team having much to play for, I can see a share of the points.
Vital Reading prediction: Charlton 1 – 1 Reading
Next Fixtures:
Charlton – Millwall (A) – Fri 3rd April – SkyBet Championship
Reading – Cardiff (H) – Sat 4th April – SkyBet Championship
