The games are coming thick and fast for both Millwall and Reading, who want the points to rise up the table for different reasons. Reading are on very good scoring form at home, having scored 12 goals in their past two games, but need to improve their away form if they want to maintain or improve on a play off place. Millwall have improved since Ian Holloway’s arrival and will want to make amends from their 1-1 draw with Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday night.
Vital Quotes:
Reading manager Nigel Adkins – ‘We’ve picked the same team for four games, there’s no coincidence that we’ve had a level of consistency. The players are working extremely hard for each other, which is important. With the confidence at this moment in time, we’re in a good place. So I’d suggest I’ll be sticking with the same group this weekend that did so well in midweek. You can see how hard they’re working for the cause.’
Millwall defender Scott Malone – ‘I don’t think the fact that Reading have scored loads of goals recently will trouble us too much. The onus is on us to take the game to them. We need to pick up points and fast, and that’s all we’re trying to do at the minute. Hopefully, when we do get some wins under our belts, that’s when we can start to really try and change the way we play but like I say, for the moment, we need points on the board to climb away from the relegation zone.’
Millwall Team News:
Defender Shane Lowry was sent off on Tuesday night for violent conduct, so will not be available for this one. He could be replaced with Shaun Williams or Paul Robinson, but the latter has only just returned from injury. The Lions have sold striker Andy Keogh, which means that Jermaine Easter could take his place after returning from suspension. Long-serving goalkeeper David Forde will also be out, as will midfielder Richard Chaplow.
Player to watch: DJ Campbell
After scoring the equaliser against Sheffield Wednesday, the striker who has been shrouded in such controversy over the past few months, will want to build on this goal and make a name for himself again for the right reasons.
Reading Team News:
The injury situation is looking slightly better for Nigel Adkins nowerdays, with midfielder Danny Guthrie possibly returning from injury for this game. Defenders Sean Morrison and Wayne Bridge have returned to light training this week, but still won’t be considered for selection. Chris Baird is in the same situation, but his contract is yet to be renewed, so is unavailable. Midfielders Mikele Leigertwood, Jem Karacan and striker Jason Roberts are all long-term absentees.
Player to watch: Danny Williams
The midfielder has played his best games in a Reading shirt over the past few weeks and this game could suit him to a tee. It be a tough game and possibly a physical one too with an intimidating atmosphere, which I’m sure he will relish.
Expected line-ups:
Millwall – 4-4-2: Bywater, Malone, Beevers, Shittu, Fredericks, Abdou, Bailey, Martin, Williams, Morison, Campbell
Reading – 4-4-2: McCarthy, Gunter, Pearce, Gorkss, Obita, McCleary, Akpan, Williams, McAnuff, Le Fondre, Pogrebnyak
Match Prediction:
It’s rare you go to the Den and expect an easy game, so as much as we will be favourites for this one, we will need to be at our best to get anything from this one. I expect it to be a tight and lively affair, with the points shared.
Vital Reading prediction: Millwall 1 – Reading 1
Next Fixtures:
Millwall – Barnsley (A) – Sat 8th February – SkyBet Championship
Reading – Sheff Wed (H) – Sat 8th February – SkyBet Championship
