It’s nice to finally a game under the flood lights at the Madejski Stadium, having not had once since the victory over Leeds over two months ago. The visitors to Berkshire are Chris Powell’s Charlton, who sit just above the relegation zone. We picked up a good result against Forest on Friday, so with two home games on the bounce, we need to take advantage.
Vital Quotes:
Shoot’s Charlton blogger Tom Wallin:‘Charlton`s second half performance showed that they have the ability to play good football. With a bit more bravery in the attacking third and disciplined build-up, the Addicks can be a good side, but if they`re not prepared to get forward then they`re going to struggle.’
‘Tuesday sees the Addicks travel to high-flying Reading, and Powell will be looking for an immediate reaction. They`ve been good away from home over the last two years, and they`ll need that to continue. With the takeover seemingly ever closer, although there`s still no official news, and with players anxiously waiting for news of their futures, they need to get their heads down and do the business on the pitch.’
Reading Team News:
Reading will be without defender Chris Gunter, who was sent off against Forest on Friday. The eccentric Royston Drenthe could be included in the squad for the first time in over two months, but Chris Baird is definitely out with a sprained ankle. The defensive duo of Wayne Bridge and Sean Morrison are still a few weeks away from selection.
Player to watch: Danny Williams
The American international made his first start in a while against Forest and the energy he injected into the midfield was highlighted by many. Charlton certainly won’t lack in effort, so Williams and co will need to match that.
Charlton Team News:
The Addicks will be without former Reading keeper Ben Hamer, who is still suffering with an ankle injury. Defenders Chris Solly and Leon Cort are unlikely to be involved.
Player to watch: Simon Church
The former Royals striker returns to his boyhood club for the first time and it goes without saying that a few former players have already scored against us this season. Churchy has made a decent impact so far with Charlton, but will want to prove a point to his former side.
Match Facts & Stats
Reading – 4-2-3-1: McCarthy, Cummings, Pearce, Gorkss, Kelly, Williams, Guthrie, McCleary, Robson-Kanu, Obita, Pogrebnyak
Charlton – 4-4-2: Alnwick, Wilson, Morrison, Dervite, Wiggins, Stewart, Stephens, Cousins, Jackson, Kermorgant, Church
Match Prediction:
Charlton have struck me as a side that have struggled for consistency this season, so despite a few fans thinking it will be an easy win, that won’t be the case. I expect us to take three points from this, but we will be made to work for it.
Vital Reading prediction: Reading 2 – 0 Charlton
Next Fixtures:
Reading – Charlton (H) – Sat 7th December – SkyBet Championship
Charlton – Yeovil (A) – Sat 7th December – SkyBet Championship
