So next up for Reading is the first ever league meeting with Burton Albion in the whole history of the world ever ever ever ever. There was the case of a league cup game against them, which Reading won 5-1, about 2 weeks after Burton kicked off their football league career, 7 years ago, but any comparison or expectation based on that can go straight out the window.
Burton have started solidly in the division and are actually quite difficult to beat as their near neighbours Derby County will attest. Managed by Nigel Clough - who actually seems to have an affinity for managing them having been the prime mover to get them set for league status all those years ago - they will be well prepared.
Apparently they play a fairly open game and create a good few chances, however their main issue is that they suffer a bit with "Reading complex" and struggle to take those chances. They are well organised defensively which is just what we all want to hear isn't it?
Their biggest threat is Australian international striker Jackson Irvine, however he only recently arrived back from international duty in Thailand so hopefully won't be quite as fresh as the rest of their ream.
Injury wise Reading are without John Swift, Deniss Rakels, Ansi Jaakkola and Stephen Quinn but everyone else should be available. If the decision was mine I'd put Liam Kelly into John Swift's position and leave the remaining starting XI the same that began v Wigan. Another interesting idea would be to move Williams into that role and try playing with 2 strikers (Samuel and Kermorgant). I suspect though that Jaap will simply move Evans into the side (and also restore Roy Beerens in place of Callum Harriott).
Burton will have Forest loanee Jamie Ward missing through injury and defender Kyle McFadzean missing through suspension as he starts a 4 game ban.
Interesting facts.
Garath McCleary's 57 second opener against Wigan is the fasted goal recorded in the Championship so far this season.
Reading have been awarded more penalties (8) this season than any other team in the league (scored 5 and missed 3 (although one of those was converted from the rebound)).
Hampshire's Keith Stroud has been assigned for refereeing duties
Previously with Mr Stroud
28 Dec 2015 > Reading 1-2 Brentford
07 Nov 2015 > Cardiff City 2-0 Reading
03 Oct 2015 > Reading 2-0 Middlesbrough
14 Apr 2015 > Reading 0-1 Bournemouth
29 Mar 2014 > Reading 1-1 Huddersfield Town
11 Jan 2014 > Watford 0-1 Reading
13 Aug 2011 > Leicester City 0-2 Reading
03 Apr 2010 > Ipswich Town 2-1 Reading
06 Feb 2010 > Doncaster Rovers 1-2 Reading
29 Dec 2007 > Tottenham Hotspurt 6-4 Reading
22 Sep 2007 > Reading 2-1 Wigan Athletic
25 Feb 2006 > Reading 2-1 Preston North End
23 Aug 2005 > Reading 3-1 Swansea City (League Cup)
Finally, one other player of Burton's may catch the eye and that is their no. 9 who goes under the name of Stuart Beavon. Finally, after getting a break into league football with Wycombe Wanderers in 2009, his path crosses that of the club his dad, also called Stuart, played 481 games for back in the 1980s.
Help the match build up by inserting nostalgic memories of Stuart below.
