Colin is back in town. This time with his new charges, Cardiff City. Cardiff are on a bit of a slide and have been since their relegation from the PL a few seasons ago. However they do spring surprises in games if they're not treated with the right respect so once again Reading will need to prove that their recent pick up in terms of performance is not just a flash in the pan.
And, as with all games where Mr Warnock is in the opposing dugout, our opponents are going to be suitably wound up and in the mood to give seriously good account of themselves. So we should be well warned.
To be honest I see no reason for Reading to change formation from the team that started against Fulham, however with Jordan Obita back from suspension Jaap has another option to consider so there could be a couple of changes. Harriott, Rakels and Quinn are the only injury worries.
Cardiff pose the standard threat through Peter Whittingham who always seems to have blinders against us. Sol Bamba is another pain we need to watch out for as will be Rickie Lambert, while on the injury front they will be missing Bruno Manga and Anthony Pilkington. Recent signing Greg Halford has joined other ex-Royals Sean Morrison and Matthew Connolly at the club though it seems only Halford and Morrison are likely to play.
Referee
Comes all the way from Nottinghamshire in the shape of James Adcock
Previously....
13 Feb 2016 > Reading 0-0 Burnley
28 Sep 2014 > Reading 3-3 Wolverhampton Wanderers
22 Apr 2014 > Reading 2-0 Middlesbrough
28 Sep 2013 > Reading 2-0 Birmingham City
Historically
Cardiff are one of those fairly regular opponents of Reading with games stretching all the way back to our Southern League days. Since joining the FL though there have been 55 league games with this game being the 28th at home against them. Of the previous 27 games Reading have won 11 and drawn 10 with the remaining 6 games going the way of the Welsh
Reading though have something to prove against Cardiff as they have failed to win any of the last 6 home games (or 7 if you include the 0-0 play off semi first leg) managing four 1-1 draws and two defeats in that time. In addition, since the war, Reading have played 37 league games with Cardiff and conceded at least 1 goal in 33 of them.
