After the fantastic away win over Preston on Tuesday night, we try again to record our first home win since January. Middlesbrough come to Berkshire on the back of a dodgy run of form and the Royals will hope for all three points.
Vital Quotes: Former Royals striker Leroy Lita
Reading’s in the past, It was a great time but I’ve moved on. There are still people there that I know but I don’t talk to any of them before a match.
Reading Team News:
Brendan Rodgers will assess his options available to him before selecting is side, and could opt to recall striker Grzegorz Rasiak despite Simon Church’s goal in midweek. Jobi McAnuff has shown no ill effects from playing twice in a week and should keep his place, as will Ivar Ingimarsson. Alex Pearce could return to the squad but is unlikely to get back into the starting line up, but another youngster Gylfi Sigurdsson will hope for a recall.
Player to watch: Jem Karacan
Has been comparing himself to Claude Makelele this week, and will be eager to impress in the holding role in midfield. Has been one of the Royals players of the season so far.
Middlesbrough Team News:
On loan striker Caleb Folan is out with a hamstring injury and will join captain Emmanual Pogatetz on the sidelines. Leroy Lita will hope to start after a lively appearance from the bench in the midweek defeat against Leicester.
Player to watch: Adam Johnson
The winger has ensured that not too many have noticed the departure of Stewart Downing to Aston Villa in the summer (well, probably because he is injured but you get my point!!). has been impressive on the left hand side of midfield and will give Shaun Cummings a busy afternoon.
Last meeting
The last time the sides met was in the Premier League and the Royals travelled to the Riverside on the back of 8 straight defeats. James Harper struck a 90th minute winner though to end that awful run and win three points for Steve Coppell’s side.
Match Prediction:
Can we finally end that long run without a win at home? Well I’m feeling positive and I reckon we can, 2-0 to the Royals. Rasiak and Howard to score, Lita to get sent off for Boro!
Next Fixture:
Saturday 17th October 2009, West Brom (A)
Nice to see you guys give Lita a good reception, and all the best for the rest of the season.