Reading went into the international break off the back of a desperately needed victory against Derby, a win that lifted us away from the drop zone. Looking to build on this we face the tough task of a visit to Ewood Park and a match with highflying Blackburn.
Vital Quotes: Steve Coppell
On Ibrahima Sonko starting, or not, “I’d rather not say! He’s coming with us, so he’s involved. As soon as he turns up here he’s involved. It’s part of the routine and process of getting ready for the game and making sure that whoever plays and gets changed is ready for the game.”
Blackburn Team News:
Roque Santa Cruz could make a miraculous recovery from the tendonitis he’s had in his knee to play a part, and their captain Ryan Nelsen is also set to return after a hamstring problem.
Player to watch: David Bentley
A lot has been made of his withdrawal from the England under 21 squad in the summer but he has certainly done his talking on the pitch. Last season at the Madejski Stadium he ran from the half way line before scoring the winner, special attention will need to be paid to him as he could score goals to hurt Reading, as well as create them.
Reading Team News:
Shane Long appeared to be a doubt with a groin injury after he pulled out of the Republic of Ireland squad during the week, but he is fit. Ibrahima Sonko is back in the squad and could start. Bobby Convey, John Oster, Glen Little and Kalifa Cisse are all out though.
Player to watch: Dave Kitson
The Reading top goalscorer has been in top form this season, the type of form that has seen his name linked with a possible future England call-up? Kitson offers Reading something different in attack to the other forwards so if he is on top of his game he will be a major factor in this match.
Match Facts & Stats
Match Facts & Stats courtesy of the BBC, Rovers have only beaten Reading once at Ewood Park – a 4-2 win on 19 April 1980 in the old 3rd Division. Reading have met Blackburn eight times in their league history and beaten them just once; prevailing 4-0 at Elm Park at second league level on 4 October 1986.
Home and away: League (inc PL): Blackburn 2 wins, Reading 1, Draws 5
Prem: Blackburn 1 win, Reading 0, Draws 1
At Blackburn only: League (inc PL): 1 win, Reading 0, Draws 3
Prem: Blackburn 0 wins, Reading 0, Draws 1
Ref Watch:
Andre Marriner (West Midlands)
Match Prediction:
Derby was a must win match, this will be a tough encounter so if Reading can come away with a point, as we did on the final day of last season after the 3-3 draw, it will be a great result.
Next Fixture: Newcastle
@ The Madejski Stadium on Saturday, 15.00.
Defeat won’t be as damaging as Liam Rosenior might have been hinting at earlier in the week, but a point would be great, three points outstanding! I’ll just settle for the one though.
Can’t See Reading Getting Anything Up There…!
Unlucky yesterday guys. You looked much better in the second half. Good luck for the rest of the season and I look forward to the fixture at the Majesty next year!
you lot have got a really bad case of the second season syndrome!
We can’t afford to keep giving teams head starts before we start playing. But merlin it is not that bloody second season syndrome you speak of!