On Sky
The Premier League tenure’s of both Reading and QPR is drawing to a close and it could be as soon as this Sunday for one of the two. A loss for either side would confirm their imminent relegation to the Championship. Two teams that have gone about their transfer dealings very differently following their recent promotions from the second tier, but will have to start again next year.
Vital Quotes:
Reading manager Nigel Adkins – ‘I’ve been delighted with how they’ve been on the training ground and you can see an excellent progression on the field of play as well. I don’t think you can deny that, but it is about winning games of football. I’m not hiding away from that situation. Come the end of the season, we’ll know where we are and like all football clubs, any negotiations regarding contracts will be done – I’d like to think privately and confidentially behind the scenes – and then we’ll take it from there.’
QPR boss Harry Redknapp – ‘We’ve just got to keep going and collect as many points as we possibly can. It’s important we go to Reading and play well. We’ll take loads of fans and we need to play well for them. I’m already thinking about next year. The players need to show me they want to play for usIt’s a big summer for us. We need to get the right people in here to help us out.’
Reading Team News:
Reading will still be without winger Jimmy Kebe, despite returning to light training last week. However, winger Hal Robson-Kanu resumed training this week and is likely to play a part in the game. The trio of Hope Akpan, Adam Federici and Jason Roberts are still sidelined.
Player to watch: Garath McCleary
The former Nottingham Forest winger had a good game against Norwich last week, getting himself on the scoresheet in the process. He will want to continue his form in this game and prove to his manager that he could be a leading figure to a promotion push next season.
QPR Team News:
Rangers have a few injury problems ahead of this game, with their flamboyant playmaker Adel Taraabt due to be out with a shoulder problem. Winger Andros Townsend will not play a part after injuring his hamstring, while Bobby Zamora and Shaun Wright-Phillips are still on the injured list.
Player to watch: Loic Remy
The Frenchman has made a decent impact for QPR since joining and Rangers would probably be down by this point if it wasn’t for his goals. Renowned for being lethal in front of goal, so wouldn’t be surprised to see Mariappa marking him.
Expected line-ups:
Reading – 4-2-3-1: McCarthy, Gunter, Mariappa, Morrison, Kelly, Karacan, Guthrie, McCleary, McAnuff, Robson-Kanu, Pogrebnyak
QPR – 4-4-2: Cesar, Bosingwa, Samba, Hill, Traore, Mbia, Derry, Hoilett, Mackie, Bothroyd, Remy
Ref Watch:
The referee for this game will be Kevin Friend.
Match Prediction:
A draw means absolutely nothing to both sides and only delays the inevitable, so will pretty much sum up our season if this happens. To make it worse, it will probably be goalless.
Vital Reading prediction: Reading 0 – 0 QPR
Next Fixtures:
Reading – Fulham (A) – Saturday 4th May – Premier League
QPR – Arsenal (H) – Saturday 4th May – Premier League
