We are just about at the ten game mark in the Premier League and already the bottom three seemed to be distancing themselves away from safety. One of those teams is Reading, who like QPR, are yet to get their first three points of the season. Their opponents at the Madejski Stadium will be Norwich City, who have recently picked up their form in recent weeks, following a lackluster start to the season.
Vital Quotes:
Reading manager Brian McDermott – “We look at a game at home and we want to try and win it, whoever that might be. You cannot say ‘this is this team, so we`ll try and win` – that`s disrespectful. Norwich have picked up recently, they`ve got seven points in their last three games, so we know what they`re about – and they know what we`re about. I`m just looking forward to the game.’
Norwich boss Chris Hughton – “It`s always a good feeling when you`ve got a few points, so it`s a nice period for us at the moment, but it`s about sustaining it and replicating those good things, and for us there are no easy games. We have to perform. Whoever the opposition are there is plenty of good reason why we have to be on top of our game.’
Reading Team News:
Reading will be without star goalkeeper Alex McCarthy who picked up a shoulder injury in the dying moments against QPR, which means Adam Federici will return. McDermott will also be without the midfield duo of Jem Karacan and Danny Guthrie, who have ankle and thigh problems respectively.
Player to watch: Jason Roberts
The 34-year old has been Reading’s talisman since returning from injury a few weeks ago and is only getting fitter. He is likely to be partnered by Noel Hunt for this game and the both of them look like they are forming a decent partnership.
Norwich Team News:
The away side have some defensive injury doubts ahead of this game. Right back Russell Martin has a back problem which kept him out against Stoke last week, while Michael Turner and Javier Garrido are carrying knocks, but should be fit for Saturday’s game.
Player to watch: Wes Hoolahan
The Irish playmaker is a very under-rated in the Premier League and certainly has talent. Him and Grant Holt are likely to cause a shaky Reading back line a few problems.
Expected line-ups:
Reading: Federici, Gunter, Morrison, Gorkss, Shorey, Kebe, Leigertwood, Tabb, McAnuff, Hunt, Roberts
Norwich: Ruddy, Whittaker, Bassong, Turner, Garrido, Johnson, Pilkington, Hoolahan, Tettey, Snodgrass, Holt
Ref Watch:
The referee for Saturday’s game will be Chris Foy. He will be very familiar to captain Jobi McAnuff, as Foy was the official that denied him two penalties against West Brom in the 1-0 loss in September.
Match Prediction:
This win needs to come ASAP and as much as Reading fans have said the ‘next game is a must win’, this really is that. No offence to Norwich, but we really should be winning these games and I have a sneaky feeling it could be the day.
Vital Reading prediction: 2-1 win
Next Fixtures:
Reading – Everton (H) – 17th November – Premier League
Norwich – Man Utd (H) – 17th November – Premier League
