After a unscheduled week off due to the heavy snow fall in Sheffield, the Royals are back playing ‘Darn Saff’ this weekend and will welcome Coventry to the Madejski Stadium.
After four draws on the spin it is important we get back to winning ways but that will not be easy against Ady Bothroyd’s much improved side.
A full match preview is here…
Vital Quotes:
Royals manager Brian McDermott –
‘They have four centre-halves playing at the back, a decent keeper that has been well talked up, Carsley in midfield has great experience and McSheffrey is a little bit different. He has that ability and is a player we tried to bring to the Madejski in 2004. He has that quality and can score a goal.’
Goalkeeper Adam Federici –
‘You look at the Championship and you don`t see many clean sheets at all throughout the league. We haven`t been too bad on that side of things this year.’
Reading Team News:
The Royals will welcome back Jimmy Kebe to the starting line up, most likely at the expense of Simon Church. The winger has been missing since the 1-0 defeat to Bristol City in October was made a positive impact from the bench against Leeds 2 weeks ago in our last game.
Brian Howard returns from injury and could offer more creativity to the centre of our midfield, whilst Matt Mills is back after a 1 match suspension but may have to make do with a place on the bench.
Player to watch: Jimmy Kebe
He is our most effective player with the ball and you could see what a difference he made against Leeds in a brief cameo appearance 2 weeks ago. We look a much better side with him playing and he will be looking to get back to the form he was showing before the injury.
Coventry Team News:
Sammy Clingan and Ben Turner are definitely out of the match with knee injuries.
Stephen O’Halloran is back from a long term injury but will not be risked in this one.
Player to watch: Marlon King
In the headlines for all the wrong reasons in the last couple of years, and will be looking to take the second chance he has been given at the Ricoh Arena. On his day is a top striker at this level and will keep the Royals defence busy.
Last Meeting
Monday 5th April 2010, Reading 3-0 Coventry
Match Prediction:
With Kebe back I fancy us to get three points, and I’m going for a 2-1 victory with Hunt and Long on the scoresheet.
Next Fixture:
Saturday 18th December, Derby (A)
