Another away day for Reading, hopefully it will not literally be another case of the blues. Manchester City are unbeaten at home, having one all of their previous matches so it’s an even tougher task.
Vital Quotes:
On the chances of ending Manchester City’s 100% home record, “You have to say it’s unlikely they will go the full season being unbeaten at home, so why shouldn’t we be the ones to break their record? That has got to be our motivation.
“I am excited by this game because they are playing a great level of football up there, and it’s a challenge as a coach and a manager to try and stop them while still contributing to the game ourselves.
“We need to be more of a unit away from home, obviously not concede so many goals, but also be effective going forward. As a team we have to be more together and not so stretched.”
Manchester City Team News:
Rolando Bianchi injured his ankle in training, so is out. Andreas Isaksson looks like being the goalkeeper, and Richard Dunne should be fit.
Player to watch: Elano
The Brazilian midfielder is Manchester City’s top goalscorer, and he can shot, and score, from anywhere. Special attention needs to be shown to him.
Reading Team News:
Michael Duberry’s cracked ribs have not healed, but Ibrahima Sonko will be fit after a groin problem. Glen Little is a long-term absentee.
Player to watch: Dave Kitson
It is either Kitson or Kevin Doyle, who are the joint top goalscorers this season, but Kitson seems to be the most important forward, he also only needs two more to make 50 league goals.
Match Facts & Stats
Match Facts & Stats courtesy of the BBC, Manchester City have failed to score in six of their last eight league meetings with Reading. The Citizens are chasing a first home league victory over the Royals since their 3-2 triumph in the second tier on 3 May 1997.
Home and away: League (inc PL): Man City 6 wins, Reading 6, Draws 2
Prem: Man City 0 wins, Reading 2, Draws 0
At Man City only: League (inc PL): Man City 4 wins, Reading 2, Draws 1
Prem: Man City 0 wins, Reading 1, Draws 0
Ref Watch:
Steve Tanner (Somerset)
Match Prediction:
Current league form for both sides, going by Manchester City’s home form and Reading’s away suggests only one winner. However, the tide has to change sometime so you can never rule Reading out, a point would be a fine result but with the aid of Dave Kitson I feel a surprise is in the offering.
Next Fixtures:
@ The Madejski Stadium next Saturday, 15:00.
Man City have to lose sometime, I would be delighted with a point but have this feeling that even though few give Reading a chance a surprise result could be achieved.
a tricky trip but City are not impossible to beat even at home – good luck!
We were unlucky, but Stephen Hunt was very lucky to get away with his challenge, awful, awful tackle!