MATCHWATCH : Birmingham City (h) sponsored by dull cup draws r us

[Sutekh]

When : Tuesday, 14th August, 8pm
Where : Madejski Stadium, Reading, RG2 0FL
Capacity : 24,161

A first cup game of the new season against another side already struggling in the early days of the new league season. Birmingham at least have one point to show from their two games though unlike Reading's sorry state of affairs which sees them as one of only 2 teams left to record some pointage.

Paul Clement is expected to play a side that is more about the players that haven't really been involved so far so expect Sam Walker to take over in goal and O'Shea and Moore(!) as the central defenders. Also expect Clement and McNulty to play and probably also Rinomhota

The tie itself is probably one of the least interesting ties of the round and certainly to both sets of supporters is about as dull as you could get. Therefore I'm not expecting much more than around 7/8k in my opinion so travel and parking really shouldn't be any issue if you are going.

Referee

Northamptonshire's Dean Whitestone for this one.



Previously

05 Apr 2016 > Reading 2-1 Nottm Forest
22 Mar 2014 > Birmingham City 1-2 Reading
23 Aug 2011 > Charlton Athletic 2-1 Reading (League Cup)
22 Feb 2011 > Reading 2- Millwall
17 Feb 2010 > Crystal Palace 1-3 Reading
07 Nov 2009 > Reading 1-1 Ipswich Town
26 Aug 2008 > Reading 5-1 Luton Town (League Cup)

Historically

No meetings before 1986 in any competition

First league cup game between the sides. Only other home cup game was the 1-0 win at Elm Park in 1992 in the FA Cup 1st Round

How to follow the game

1. Get a ticket and travel to the Mad Stad
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)

[Mid Sussex Royal]

Didn't we play them in the FA cup in the 106 season?

[Old Man Andrews]

I don't trust Dean Whitestone. Not even slightly.

[Snowflake Royal]

Presumably be some changes for this one.

I'd quite like to see some starts for at least some of Moore, McNulty, Clement, Rinomhota, Walker, Richards and Bacuna... not sure I can realistically see that many changes though. I'm assuming that the likes of Aluko, Popa and Harriott who didn't make the squad for Forest won't be ready by Tuesday. Most of the new signings should probably get time out there. The right side is a real problem though if Aluko, Popa and Gunter are all unavailable...

.....................Walker
Yiadom, Moore, Ilori, Richards
Meite, Bacuna, Meyler, Barrow
............McNulty, Baldock

Maybe?

[bobby1413]

Completely forgot about this game

[CountryRoyal]

.

[Hound]

I’m actually pretty looking forward to it. Would say it’s far more interesting than if we were playing some rubbish from L2

Will give Moore a decent run out and chance to get back into the swing of things. Bacuna a full game hopefully and likewise for McNulty and maybe Popa

Wouldn’t be that fussed about the result but we could certainly do with a confidence boost

Expect something like

Walker
Yiadom Moore o Shea Richards
Popa Bacuna Clement Meite
Swift
McNulty

[Old Man Andrews]

Presumably be some changes for this one.

I'd quite like to see some starts for at least some of Moore, McNulty, Clement, Rinomhota, Walker, Richards and Bacuna... not sure I can realistically see that many changes though. I'm assuming that the likes of Aluko, Popa and Harriott who didn't make the squad for Forest won't be ready by Tuesday. Most of the new signings should probably get time out there. The right side is a real problem though if Aluko, Popa and Gunter are all unavailable...

.....................Walker
Yiadom, Moore, Ilori, Richards
Meite, Bacuna, Meyler, Barrow
............McNulty, Baldock

Maybe?

Why the hell would you want to play Barrow in an early round League Cup game? He gets injured we are f*cked.

[bobby1413]

.

That is one of your better posts tbf

[Old Man Andrews]

.

Great shout.

[CountryRoyal]

.

That is one of your better posts tbf

Valid.

[Snowflake Royal]

Presumably be some changes for this one.

I'd quite like to see some starts for at least some of Moore, McNulty, Clement, Rinomhota, Walker, Richards and Bacuna... not sure I can realistically see that many changes though. I'm assuming that the likes of Aluko, Popa and Harriott who didn't make the squad for Forest won't be ready by Tuesday. Most of the new signings should probably get time out there. The right side is a real problem though if Aluko, Popa and Gunter are all unavailable...

.....................Walker
Yiadom, Moore, Ilori, Richards
Meite, Bacuna, Meyler, Barrow
............McNulty, Baldock

Maybe?

Why the hell would you want to play Barrow in an early round League Cup game? He gets injured we are f*cked.

I think it's mainly because I wanted to keep the best part of our attack present to help the newer strikers, and we don't seem to have a fit alternative.

He's no more likely to get injured against Brum than Bolton or Forest.

[BR0B0T]

Big game for Clement!

[windermereROYAL]

Big game for Clement!

#obsessed

[Rea Ding]

penalties after 90 mins could be different

[Coppells Lost Coat]

Personally I would like to see a strong(ish) squad. A mix of the bench from forest plus a few youngsters and Moore. Maybe Barrow and Kelly on the Bench. McNulty and Baldock to start.
We need a win and get the season on the way.

[Victor Meldrew]

Presumably be some changes for this one.

I'd quite like to see some starts for at least some of Moore, McNulty, Clement, Rinomhota, Walker, Richards and Bacuna... not sure I can realistically see that many changes though. I'm assuming that the likes of Aluko, Popa and Harriott who didn't make the squad for Forest won't be ready by Tuesday. Most of the new signings should probably get time out there. The right side is a real problem though if Aluko, Popa and Gunter are all unavailable...

.....................Walker
Yiadom, Moore, Ilori, Richards
Meite, Bacuna, Meyler, Barrow
............McNulty, Baldock

Maybe?

Why the hell would you want to play Barrow in an early round League Cup game? He gets injured we are f*cked.

I think it's mainly because I wanted to keep the best part of our attack present to help the newer strikers, and we don't seem to have a fit alternative.

He's no more likely to get injured against Brum than Bolton or Forest.

Maybe also the players shouldn't train anymore as so many injuries seem to happen then.

[Armadillo Roadkill]

A team comprised solely of (the available) players who have not started yet this season would be interesting. Maybe a bit weak up front (as if that wasn't already the case), so we could just play three at the back and the rest could all be midfielders.

Would like to go through, as a decent cup feature is likely to be the best chance we get for a bit of glory. With promotion unlikely, a chance to take on one of the Big Six at home would be something to look forward to. Plus there are few clubs I dislike more then the Blues.

The place will be quiet so a chance to move around a bit - I usually watch the game up close rather than from my usual strategic viewpoint in this sort of fixture.

All in all, looking forward to it.

[CountryRoyal]

I can’t remember, is it unreserved seating for this?

[Snowball]

I can’t remember, is it unreserved seating for this?

Yes