Anyone else think we will lose?

[Big Ern]

I personally think we will lose. Swansea have got the better of us twice this season, and think they will do it again as we bottle it in true Reading FC style

A remember at the Playoff Final against Bolton while Archie was preparing to take his Penalty, I turned to my mate and said, "He will miss and we are going to lose." At Cardiff when we went 2-1 up, I didn't even cheer as I knew we would lose. Can't help thinking the same here.

I so hope we can bury the 'Ghosts of Playoffs Past' but can't see it happening and fully expect to see Brenda prancing around with his massive watch at the final whistle. Anyone else feeling as negative as me?

[loyalroyalsam]

wow. wheres the optimism and belief?

[juanpablo]

I honestly dont give a oxf*rd if we win or lose, credit to the team for making somthing of this season. Going to be a great day out regardless, premiership I can take it or leave it

[Rex]

I want us to win now. Initially it was the icing on the cake to the end of a season (remember our prediction wishes), but am fearful of possible Prem implosion if we do.
I'd still take a stoic loss though.

[Great Knolly]

Just enjoy the day.
The result's a toss up.

[Winnershroyal]

^^ this.

Premiership, meh, a good performance, couple of goals, good atmosphere would be fine.

[papereyes]

I want to banish ghosts of 1995 and 2001 (and minor gripes at 2003 and 2009) more than I want another season in the premiership.

[zummerset]

I honestly dont give a oxf*rd if we win or lose, credit to the team for making somthing of this season. Going to be a great day out regardless, premiership I can take it or leave it

^this we have enjoyed the ride thus far - I would love us to win but if we dont then we will still be competitive in the Championship - its all good.

[NR_Royal]

Winning

- I'd love to be in the Premier League
- We become a big club again
- We can have special moments like beating Liverpool again
- Expensive tickets
- We could be in for a struggle

Losing

- We have a young squad, with a promising future
- We can go for promotion next season
- We'll win more games
- Cheaper tickets and more games near me
- We'll lose key players

BUT OVERALL, WE ARE 90 MINUTES AWAY FROM THE PREMIER LEAGUE AND WE CAN DO IT.

[Big Ern]

Just enjoy the day.
The result's a toss up.

Thats how I am looking at it to be honest. 20+ years of supporting Reading FC has made me a pessimist.

[mr_number]

I'm definitely telling myself that we're going to lose, but then I do that before every big game.
There's at least a bit of me telling me that we can this.

[floyd__streete]

Bloody hell, the 'gr8 day out' brigade - seriously, if you want a 'day out' go to Thorpe Park. It will be an absolutely horrible day, unless we somehow contrive to win the game.

[floyd__streete]

I want to banish ghosts of 1995 and 2001 (and minor gripes at 2003 and 2009) more than I want another season in the premiership.

plus one.

[Big Ern]

I'm definitely telling myself that we're going to lose, but then I do that before every big game.
There's at least a bit of me telling me that we can this.

I am more confident than I was against Walsall, but less confident than I was against Bolton. I keep trying to tell myself that this year is different, but I think Swansea have better players than us, more pace that will expose our aged and slow full backs and the big pitch won't help. We also have a major doubts about the availability of Kebe, who is without doubt essential. Alongside Long he is arguably our most important player and at the very best he will play but will not be match fit. Also, I think the Footballing Gods have written that Brenda will get his revenge for sacking him.

[mr_number]

It will be an absolutely horrible day, unless we somehow contrive to win the game.

Very, very true. It's going to ruin my weekend as well in all likelihood.

[The Prisoner]

OP should retitle "The Ultimate Self Defence Thread" or "Reverse Psychology: A Masterclass"

Think we'll win TBH. Who'd back against a BMc team in a one off?

[Libertine]

The big difference between the 2 times we've lost to them and now...Mikele Leigertwood.

Cautiously optimistic. Team is on a roll, great form (better than Swansea's) and there is a ton of self belief. Plus I just think we'll handle the pressure of the situation better.

So in short, we could lose but I am not of the thinking that we definitely will...

[Royal With Cheese]

Think we'll win TBH. Who'd back against a BMc team in a one off?

This.

Anything could happen.

I just hope it goes with us.

[bcubed]

Bloody hell, the 'gr8 day out' brigade - seriously, if you want a 'day out' go to Thorpe Park. It will be an absolutely horrible day, unless we somehow contrive to win the game.

Fraid this true
Just have to remember sitting in the car park at Wembley for ages after the game surrounded by Bolton fans going mental - not my idea of a great day out


But on the other hand, if we win

[Big Ern]

Bloody hell, the 'gr8 day out' brigade - seriously, if you want a 'day out' go to Thorpe Park. It will be an absolutely horrible day, unless we somehow contrive to win the game.

Agreed. I remember the journeys back from Wembley in 95 and from Cardiff. I felt numb and sick and had to put up with thousands of joyous opposition fans goading us. Doubt we will be any different if we do pull it off, but was not very pleasant. Nothing positive to look forward to if we lose. All or best players will go, more cutting of the cloth and the usual Championship scrap.