The Royals are back in action on Saturday looking to record their first league win of the season at home to Nottingham Forest.
The visitors are hotly tipped for promotion this season but have had a tough start, and only have 1 point on the board – last weekends 1-1 draw with Leeds.
The Royals have been slow out of the blocks this season and will be looking to make amends for the poor opening day defeat to Scunthorpe.
Vital Quotes:
Brian McDermott on Forest-
‘Forest have got some very good players and they have got a complete side. They challenged last season and I`m sure they will do the same this year.’
Midfield playmaker Brian Howard –
‘I think there`s probably more pressure on them with the money they`ve spent and everyone`s talking them up, but they`re yet to get their first win on the board and likewise we`re the same.’
Jobi McAnuff –
‘Forest are strong and Billy Davies has made a lot of noise about wanting to strengthen some more and get some new players in.’
Reading Team News:
Matt Mills is hoping to return from an ankle injury to take his place at the heart of the defence, but if he doesn’t make it then Brynjar Gunnarsson stands by to deputise again.
Shane Long will return from a bruised hip but might have to make do with a place on the bench, taking the place of Grzegorz Rasiak who has left the club.
Player to watch: Noel Hunt
The striker made an excellent cameo on his return from injury at Portsmouth last week, and will be looking to play some part in this game as he bids to improve his match fitness. Likely to start on the bench, but he will ready if, and when, called upon.
Nottingham Forest Team News:
Forest will be without Chris Gunter who is suspended after being charged with violent conduct following a stamp on Leeds Lloyd Sam last weekend.
Luke Chambers, who was sent off in this fixture last season, and Brendan Moloney stand by to replace him.
Player to watch: Ryan Bertrand
Former Royals loanee Bertrand, has joined Forest on a 6 month loan deal from Chelsea, and will make his return to the Madejski Stadium on Saturday. He was a popular figure with fans and players alike so is sure to receive a good reception but will have a battle on his hands trying to contain Jimmy Kebe.
Last Meeting
January 16th 2010, Nottingham Forest 2-1 Reading.
Ref Watch:
Premier League referee Lee Probert will take part of this fixture.
Match Prediction:
It’s going to be a hard game against one of the promotion favourites, and we will be looking to get a win on the board. However I don’t think we will and I am backing Forest to take all three points – Royals 1-3 Notts Forest.
Next Fixture:
Tuesday 24th August, Northampton (A) Carling Cup
Looking forward to Kebe up against Bertrand…..