After an untimely international break, the Royals welcome Doncaster to the Madejski Stadium looking to build on the fine win over Barnsley in our last game. With a host of new signings, competition for places is rife and the youngsters who have impressed so far this season will be looking to keep hold of their places ahead of some experienced new boys.
New boy Brian Howard :
‘I know it is a very young squad here, but the gaffer has brought in some experienced players over the last couple of weeks and hopefully the quality youngsters we have and the experience those players bring will blend together.’
Reading Team News:
Brendan Rodgers must decide who will take over the right back slot after Liam Rosenior’s departure with Julian Kelly and new signing Shaun Cummings desperate to come in. That could well be the only change from the win over Barnsley with Brian Howard, Darren O’Dea and Gregorz Rasiak left on the bench.
Jobi McAnuff is definitly out with a back injury and Ivar Ingimarsson is still not match fit despite featuring in the last 2 reserve games.
Player to watch: Alex Pearce
With the signing of Darren O’Dea and Ivar Ingimarsson closing in on a return to fitness, the young vice captains place is at threat. Will need more performances like he put in at Barnsley to secure his spot.
Doncaster Rovers Team News:
New loan signing, from Sheff Utd, Billy Sharp will got straight into the Rovers side and will be joined by new Wales cap Brian Stock who made his debut at the Millenium Stadium on Wednesday night against Russia. A former Wales, and Reading, player John Oster will make his return to the Madejski Stadium after joining Doncaster on a short term deal.
Player to watch: John Oster
Feel’s he wasn’t given enough credit for what he did in his spell at the Madejski Stadium but was involved in the squads that won the Championship in 2006 and then impressed so much in the Premier League in 2007. Will be keen to impress in this one.
Last meeting
The Royals travelled to the Keepmoat Stadium back in March still in the hunt for an automatic promotion place but left it late to snatch three points, with Dave Kitson scoring a superb winner.
Ref Watch:
Saturdays official will be Phil Gibbs who has never refereed the Royals or Doncaster. He officiated 24 games last season showing 67 yellows and 3 red cards.
Match Prediction:
We have not won at home since January and Rovers come into this game on the back of a fine win over early season pace setters Cardiff. However I can see us snatching the win, perhaps with a late goal 2-1
Next Fixture:
Wednesday 16th September: Cardiff (H)
