Sheffield Wednesday (A) Match Preview

After our unbeaten run came to an end last weekend against Derby, its back on the road for the Royals and a trip to Sheffield Wednesday. Brendan Rodgers will hope for a win to kick off a busy December, a full match preview is here…

Vital Quotes: Jem Karacan

I`ve just got to work hard in training and prove to him that I deserve the shirt while Brian is out and hopefully keep hold of it for the rest of the season. Everyone wants to play week-in week-out and I thought I did alright at the start of the season, but I just want to get my place back now.

Sheffield Wednesday Team News:

Manager Brian Laws is set to make changes following the clubs 4-0 thrashing last weekend against West Brom. New loan signings Tom Soares and Warren Feeney are set to start while captain Darren Purse is also set to return.

Player to watch: Marcus Tudgay

Former Derby striker Tudgay, was subject of transfer speculation back in the summer linking him with a move to Burnley. Perhaps that has unsettled him but he hasn’t found the same form he did last season in this campaign, but he is still a major threat to the Royals defence.

Reading Team News:

Brendan Rodgers will have to make at least one change to his starting 11 as Brian Howard is injured and likely to miss at least a month. Jem Karacan is favourite to replace him, but Kalifa Cisse and Brynjar Gunnarsson are also available.

Shane Long is suspended, limiting our striking options but Hal Robson Kanu is likely to be on the bench alongside Grzegorz Rasiak, with Simon Church leading the line.

Player to watch: Jem Karacan

The young midfielder lost his place and has been made to sit and watch Brian Howard in his position in recent weeks. With the former Sheff Utd midfield now injured, this is a big chance for the Turkish under 21 international to reclaim his place in the middle of the park, and reputation as the clubs best young academy product.

Last Meeting

Sheffield Weds 1 (McAllister) – 2 (Doyle, Long) Reading. Hillsborough 3rd March 2009.

Match Prediction:

I can see the Royals getting back to winning ways on Saturday. If we can keep the Hillsborough crowd quiet in the ealry stages of the game, we can claim all 3 points and I’m tipping Jem Karacan to score the only goal in a 1-0 win.

Next Fixture:

Tuesday 8th December 2009, Crystal Palace (H)