With lingering dreams of the play offs fading, its time to get the slippers and pipe out and sit back and enjoy an end of season run in where we don’t have to focus on promotion or relegation. It starts with a home game against Peterborough, a full match preview is here….
Vital Quotes:
Royals manager Brian McDermott –
‘Every game we`ve been involved in this year I`ve been pretty sure what side would come out and I`ve been right a lot of the time. But Peterborough changed their shape last week against Leicester, so it`s kind of an unknown really.’
Brian Howard –
‘As long as I`m playing I`m happy,I would like to get a few more goals, but it`s not the Brian Howard show. It`s a team effort.’
Reading Team News:
Brynjar Gunnarsson and Zurab Kizhanishvili face late fitness test’s on head and knee injuries, with Kalifa Cisse standing by to come into the side if they don’t make it.
Matt Mills is serving his 3rd match of a 4 game ban, whilst Ivar Ingimarsson and Noel Hunt remain on the treatment table and are out for the season.
Player to watch: Brian Howard
Stand in Royals skipper has been very vocal this week about revenge for the 3-2 defeat we suffered at London Road earlier in the season. He will be keen to make sure he continues his good form in the middle of the park.
Peterborough Team News:
Gabriel Zakuani has recovered from a knee injury and is set to take his place at the heart of the defence. Midfielder Lee Frecklington is out though with a hamstring injury.
Player to watch: Craig Mackail – Smith
Brian McDermott has spoken again this week of his desire to bring Mackail-Smith to the Madejski Stadium in the summer, after having a loan bid rejected earlier in the season. The striker is set to lead the line for the Posh in a 4-5-1 formation which would suit our style of play, so he will be keen to put himself in the shop window for a summer move.
Last Meeting
Saturday 19th September 2009, Peterborough 3-2 Reading.
Match Prediction:
Many will expect this to be a walk in the park for the Royals, especially considering our form at the Madejski Stadium since the turn of the year. However Gary Johnson is building a side for next season, and some of his squad are playing for their futures so this will be tough. Our last 4 home games against Peterborough have all been draws, and I think this one will be as well, 1-1.
Next Fixture:
Tuesday 20th April 2010, Scunthorpe (A)
Looking forward to this one, should be a good game. 2 sides with not a lot to play for, hopefully we will see some good football.