MATCHWATCH : Sheffield United (h) sponsored by Tony & Barry Wagstaff

[Sutekh]

When : Tuesday 27th February, 8pm
Where : Madejski Stadium, Reading, RG2 0FL
Capacity : 24,161

Fresh from the achievement of getting a point out of game after going behind for only the second time this season, Reading will face the armoured might of Sheffield United and might actually be a bit more confident than usual.

And why not, a lot more positive going forward so if only the stupidity of the defence could be averted Reading could be on the verge of actually winning a game in the league for the first time since November.

Sheffield United are pretty decent side, well organised and good enough to beat anyone on their day. They started the season brilliantly but have tailed off a little over recent weeks which has seen them fall to the fringes of the play off race. However, that compared to Reading is obviously vastly superior even though they've only managed 4 wins in their last 14 league games (compared to Reading now on a run of 1 win in 13 league games). The Blades have also lost both their last 2 league away games without scoring.

Chris Martin will regain availability for this one while John Swift maybe in line for a recall. Kermorgant is presumably still crocked by his calf injury while the search for George Evans will go on.

Referee

Andy Davies from Hampshire.



19 Sep 17 > Reading 0-2 Swansea City (LC)
07 Mar 17 > Reading 0-0 Newcastle United
26 Dec 16 > Reading 3-1 Norwich City
29 Oct 16 > Reading 2-0 Nottingham Forest
06 Aug 16 > Reading 1-0 Preston North End
15 Sep 15 > Reading 0-1 Derby County

Historically

This is the 19th visit from Sheffield United for a league game in Reading and all have been played since 1979.

Reading have the upper hand. Just. By 10 wins to 7 with just the two draws so history would suggest a decisive result. Note though that Sheffield United have won on their last 3 league visits to the Madejski Stadium by an aggregate of 7-3

How to follow the game

1. Get a ticket and travel to the game
2. Listen to Radio 5 Live and/or a myriad of other radio stations for score flashes
3. Ring/text a mate for updates
4. Use an iFollow subscription
5. BBC Radio Berkshire (FM : 104.4, 104.1 or 95.4 depending where you are in the area)

[windermereROYAL]

My prediction is that we will freeze our collective nuts off, snow forecast so it maybe in some doubt.

[Old Man Andrews]

My prediction is that we will freeze our collective nuts off, snow forecast so it maybe in some doubt.

How much bloody snow is it you think we are getting? 5 feet of it??? Of course it will be on! This isn't Northern Canada.

[Hound]

Game will be on, but no doubts be pretty chilly

For that reason would resist temptation to play Swift and his dodgy hamstring. Save that for until it gets above freezing again

Same team we ended with for me, bar Kelly for Aluko, and Barrow for Swift

[genome]

First game I've looked forward to in a while.

Which is probably a bad sign.

[Hound]

Be good for us if Brooks is ruled out again for them.

[Sutekh]

Well at least the players will have to move about tonight with some effort given it could be as low as -4 by the end.

[Old Man Andrews]

Well at least the players will have to move about tonight with some effort given it could be as low as -4 by the end.

RIP Sone Aluko.

[muirinho]

Well at least the players will have to move about tonight with some effort given it could be as low as -4 by the end.

RIP Sone Aluko.

Wonder how many players will be wearing long sleeves and/or gloves.

I noticed jon dadi, who you'd expect to be used to a bit of snow, generally wears both in cold weather. Soft I tell you, soft as melted icecream.

[SCIAG]

Barrow too. Though frankly I don't blame either of them and don't really understand the obsession with what players are wearing.

Would be surprised if there are any problems with the pitch but I guess it is possible there will be issues around the ground.

[Hound]

Why would you not try to keep yourself warm when playing? Anything to make you able to perform better - don't care if they are wearing gloves, long sleeve vests, or heated shorts to be honest. Would definitely put you off if your hands are screaming at you in cold.

Its all a bit outdated macho culture to just get freezing cold.

[Hendo]

Always thought Sonko was a bit odd for wearing short-sleeves and gloves but I’m sure I read somewhere it aids with circulation?

[muirinho]

Why would you not try to keep yourself warm when playing? Anything to make you able to perform better - don't care if they are wearing gloves, long sleeve vests, or heated shorts to be honest. Would definitely put you off if your hands are screaming at you in cold.

Its all a bit outdated macho culture to just get freezing cold.

Got no problems with it, but I'm not into macho stuff.

On the other hand the bloke next to me seems to regard it as a personal affront. Last cold game, he was screaming at one of the players (can't remember who, his ire spreads widely) and finished it with "and take off those oxf*rd gloves"

Which amused me greatly!

[Hound]

Just one of those weird things that people let themselves get offended by.

Anyway, after a quick debate with myself going to brave the Siberian weather and make it along tonight

Fair to say won’t be best happy if we revert to Millwall standard performance

[bcubed]

Also had a (lengthy) debate with myself. Not going
3 hour round trip and freezing cold conditions and a small chance of seeing a good game and an even smaller chance of a win. For that reason I'm out!

[JR]

This is the biggest game of the season by a mile!!!!

A chance to push away from the stragglers with our game in hand - in the knowledge that we have a huge challenge on Saturday.

We excel in evening matches - this is the time to deliver and delight.

For those that brave the conditions you will surely be rewarded by a humdinger of a victory.

Come on urrrrrzzzzzz!!!!!!!

[Hound]

Bloody hope so

[Hound]

Hmm, load of changes tonight. Didn’t see that coming

Richards, Barrow on the bench, no Aluko at all.

Joey, McCleary and Martin in

[Royals and Racers]

Barrow dropped !!!!
Stam hasn’t a clue !!!

[genome]

Richards and Barrow on the bench