The Royals make the trip down the M4 to Swansea on New Years day looking to get one over on Brendan Rodgers and his team.
We were beaten comfortably when they came to the Madejski Stadium back in October and Brian McDermott will look to prove his team are as good as their Welsh counterparts.
A full match preview is here…
Vital Quotes:
Brian McDermott –
‘For us its an away game but we go there to attack them. We are trying to catch them and we know with a win we will three points behind with a game in hand.’
Ian Harte –
‘You want to play every game, I am fresh and hopefully I will get the nod against Swansea. As a team we need to come out of the blocks a bit quicker as we have had a slow start in the last couple of games’
Swansea Team News:
Left back Alan Tate is suspended after his red card in the Boxing Day fixture against QPR, but there could be a number of changes as Brendan Rodgers looks to freshen up his squad over the festive calender.
Player to watch: Scott Sinclair
Former Chelsea winger has been in amazing form this season and scored the winner back in October. Will be a threat to the Royals full backs, whatever wing he operates from.
Reading Team News:
Brian McDermott could make a couple of changes from the side that drew with Hull with Mikele Leigertwood struggling with a slight hamstring injury. He could also opt to revert to a 5 man midfield as the Swans play that formation and over ran us in the game at the Madejski Stadium earlier in the season. That could mean Brian Howard comes in although Hal Robson Kanu and Michail Antonio would also be in with a shout.
Player to watch: Adam Federici
Was superb in this fixture last season saving a penalty and keeping Swansea at bay almost by himself. With the transfer window opening he will come under the spotlight and speculation will be rife but he must concentrate on his game and continue the fine run of form he is in right now.
Last Meeting
Saturday 16th October 2010, Reading 0-1 Swansea
Match Prediction:
I fancy us to nick a point in this one and despite all the attacking players on display, I would not be surprised to see another 0-0 like last season.
Next Fixture:
Monday 3rd January, Burnley (H)
