On Sky
After a thumping up in Sheffield last week, Reading return home to an unbeaten Madejski Stadium in an attempt to get their good form back on track. However, a very good opposition stand in our way in the form of QPR, who despite slipping in form recently, remain one of the front runners for automatic promotion. Last season’s meeting between these sides at the Madejski was a boring 0-0 between the two sides, that relegated us both, so let’s hope for a more entertaining game this time round!
Vital Quotes:
Reading manager Nigel Adkins – ‘It`ll be an exciting one, and what we`ve got to do is to give our supporters something to shout about and enjoy. Things won’t always go our way, but what we’ve got to do is back the players and give them every opportunity to excite the supporters. The players’ mind-set has been good throughout the week, we`ve had some honest conversations. We`ve got to go out there with a kick up the backside from last week.’
QPR boss Harry Redknapp – ‘They will be bang there. Nigel has done a good job. Reading is a real good football club and they will be in the promotion race. We want to go up automatically. It won’t be easy as there are a lot of good teams but I’m pleased with the start we have made. We scored two at home last weekend against Derby and we are keeping control of matches. If we can continue that I will be delighted.’
Reading Team News:
Reading could welcome back Billy Sharp, after the striker returned to full training this week, after suffering a thigh injury last month. However, Danny Williams suffered an injury set back in training, so is unlikely to be unavailable, along with Royston Drenthe, who is still on the treatment table. Former QPR target Wayne Bridge will be given a late fitness test, after missing last week’s mauling at Sheffield Wednesday.
Player to watch: Alex Pearce
Last week was not one to remember for the central defender, who was shocking all game. He will have a harder challenge with the likes of Austin and Hoilett, so will need to be on his game this time round, or it could be worse than five!
QPR Team News:
Rangers boss Redknapp will have to do without influential central midfielder Ale Faurlin, who suffered a cruciate ligament injury against Derby. Despite this, fellow midfielder Gary O’Neil should be fit to start the game. Croatia international Niko Kranjcar will be given a late fitness test for this game, after a recent hamstring injury.
Player to watch: Richard Dunne
The Republic of Ireland international has had an injury-plauged few years, but seems to be finally getting back to his best. A defender with a wealth of experience and will give the Pog a good match.
Expected line-ups:
Reading – 4-2-3-1: McCarthy, Gunter, Pearce, Morrison, Bridge, Guthrie, Baird, McCleary, Robson-Kanu, Obita, Pogrebnyak
QPR – 4-5-1: Green, Simpson, Dunne, Hull, Assou-Ekotto, Phillips, Barton, Henry, O’Neil, Hoilett, Austin
Ref Watch:
The referee for this fixture will be Anthony Taylor.
Match Prediction:
Since our stalemate at the Madejski Stadium in April, it’s fair to say both sides have changed in terms of players. I expect this one to be more open and have more excitement about it, but I can only see a similar result with the points shared.
Vital Reading prediction: Reading 1 – 1 QPR
Next Fixtures:
Reading – Blackburn (A) – Sat 23rd November – SkyBet Championship
QPR – Charlton (H) – Sat 23rd November – SkyBet Championship
