After our first defeat of the season, and a disappointing one to Huddersfield at that, it’s a quick turn around from Tuesday night, as we prepare to face early pace setters Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. Stuart Pearce’s side currently sit top of the Championship with seven points from a possible nine so far, as it appears Psycho is having his desire effect back at Forest.
Vital Quotes:
Reading manager Nigel Adkins – ‘The squads are going to be stretched to the maximum. The games come thick and fast, more or less every three days. It’s going to be a tough game at Forest but, as I’ve highlighted, they all are in the Championship. You’ve got to have a squad of players able to compete with the intensity required and deal with the injuries and suspensions that come our way.’
Forest boss Stuart Pearce – ‘We’ll be buoyed going into the game after a reasonable start to the season but we have to back up the three points from Tuesday night with a win at home. Reading are a good side with an excellent manager and a great pedigree so it will be a tough test. League form doesn’t make any difference in the Championship and we have to take every game individually.’
Nottingham Forest Team News:
The defensive duo of Kelvin Wilson and Jamaal Lascelles are both doubts for the game, but will be given late fitness tests. The same applies to key midfielder Henri Lansbury, who recently signed a new contract at the City Ground. Striker Dexter Blackstock is also missing for Stuart Pearce’s side.
Player to watch: Britt Assombalonga
The 21-year old joined Forest this summer for a record £5.5 million fee, which shocked a few, but is already justifying his price tag with three goals in as many league games. His frightening turn of pace and sharp finishing will make him a notable threat for Forest in this one.
Reading Team News:
The injury list still remains a long one for Nigel Adkins, with Hal Robson-Kanu, Stephen Kelly and Danny Guthrie still out injured, but are all getting closer. The longer term absentees remain former Forest man Garath McCleary, Jem Karacan and Danny Williams.. On-loan forward Jamie Mackie is not eligible to play, as he is on loan from Forest.
Player to watch: Simon Cox
The Republic of Ireland international left the City Ground in the summer in search of first team football and now he has found it with the Royals, will want to prove a point to his former club. He scored his first goal for the club against Huddersfield on Tuesday and he will want to add to this on Saturday.
Match Facts & Stats
Forest – 4-4-2: Darlow, Lichaj, Hobbs, Mancienne, Fox, Burke, Cohen, Reid, Antonio, Fryatt, Assombalonga.
Reading – 4-2-3-1: Federici, Gunter, Pearce, Hector, Obita, Norwood, Akpan, Blackman, Cox, Taylor, Pogrebnyak.
Ref Watch:
The man in the middle will be Andy Woolmer, who last refereed the Royals in their 3-1 defeat at Bournemouth back in April. It also seems Mr. Woolmer is very card happy and suspensions are the last thing we need at the moment, with the current injury list.
Match Prediction:
This will be a massive test for us and our credentials this season, with Forest currently setting the pace. I think Forest will have too much for us in this one, with Assombalonga and Antonio in good form.
Vital Reading prediction: Forest 3 – 1 Reading
Next Fixtures:
Reading – Scunthorpe (A) – Tues 26th August – League Cup second round
Forest – Huddersfield (A) – Tues 26th August – League Cup second round
