After a thrilling 3-3 draw with Wolves on Sunday, it’s a quick turn around, as we prepare to face Leeds United at Elland Road. It is new boss Darko Milanic’s first home game in charge and will want to make an impression, as Leeds were comfortably beaten by Brentford on Saturday.
Vital Quotes:
New Leeds head coach Darko Milanic – “I have seen Reading`s games and they are a very good team. They play quick football and have some good players. “We have spoken about them and during the game we have to find a way to beat them.”|
Leeds Team News:
Leeds will once again be without defender Gaetano Berardi, who is serving the final game of his two-match suspension, meaning Sam Byram will start. Apart from this and new signings lacking match fitness, Milanic has a full squad to pick from ahead of his first home game in charge.
Player to watch: Casper Sloth
The Danish playmaker made his move to English football in the summer, after being watched by many scouts in England. Despite other interest, he moved to Elland Road and will want to prove his potential.
Reading Team News:
Hal Robson-Kanu in the squad to face Wolves on Sunday, possibly due to a relapse suffered against Derby lasr week, so will be assessed ahead of this game. Midfielder Jake Taylor limped off injured on Sunday, so will be given a late fitness test.
Defender Anton Ferdinand is no closer to a return from a hamstring injury, but Craig Tanner, Aaron Tshibola and skipper Jem Karacan are getting closer. The long-term absentees remain Danny Williams, Shaun Cummings and Garath McCleary, with no set return date.
Player to watch: Jamie Mackie
The on-loan Forest winger could come in for the injured Jake Taylor and having failed to make an impression here yet, this would be his perfect opportunity to prove to the manager and the fans that he is more than just a workaholic.
Expected line-up:
Reading – 4-2-3-1: Federici; Gunter, Pearce, Hector, Obita; Norwood, Guthrie; Blackman, Cox, Mackie; Murray.
Ref Watch:
The man in the middle will be Tony Harrington, who is taking charge of both these sides for the first time.
Match Prediction:
A manager’s first home game in charge usually gets a reaction from the players and the fans, so this certainly won’t be as easy as last time we visited Elland Road. Leeds look a much better outfit compared to last season, but I can still see the points being shared in a tight game.
Vital Reading prediction: Leeds 1 – 1 Reading
Next Fixtures:
Leeds – Sheff Wed (H) – Sat 4th October – SkyBet Championship
Reading – Brentford (A) – Sat 4th October – SkyBet Championship
