MATCHWATCH : Brentford (a) sponsored by injury problems

[Sutekh]

When : Saturday 19th December 2020, 3pm
Where : Brentford Community Stadium
Capacity : 17,250
Away Fans Location : would be the East Stand

Brentford. First the good news. London is now tier 3 so no-one can go and watch the game other than club officals and media. Bad news is it's another very awkward game for Reading given the difficulties with injuries which all in all will not be helped by the presence of Ivan "16 goals in 19 games" Toney.

This is the first trip to Bentford's new ground - the Brentford Community Stadium - which is less than a mile from their old abode at Griffin Park. The ground sadly lacks a pub on each corner but its existence at last relieved the Madejski Stadium of London Irish. For those who like to know this sort of thing, the ground has a unique triangular design necessitated by the footprint between two rail lines and the M4. The ground also has the two highest resolution LED screens in any UK stadia (not that any fans can watch them at the moment of course). The pitch technology is the same as that at Wembley.

Don't know what it is about Brentford, they have got outstanding recuitment policy as they just keep finding players in lower leagues and abroad reasonably cheaply and then selling those players for very serious money while continually maintaining a very impressive first team that always seems to be in and around the play offs at the very least.

As with the most recent seasons, Reading head to west London for this fixture to play a team which is in rather useful form. This time it's no defeats in their last 12 games, a run which consists of 5 wins and 7 draws. The draws though do seem to be stacking up especially at home where, of the 9 games played, Brentford have drawn 5 - in fact they've actually drawn the last 5 successive home league games.

Star man? Ivan Toney, obviously. Stop him getting on the score sheet and Brentford have problems as Marcus Forss is the next highest scorer with 5 goals then there's just 7 goals from the rest of the squad. However that's not to demean what is a talented and well organised squad with players such as Sergei Canos, Pontus Jansson, Rico Henry and Bryan Mbeumo. Reading connection? Shandon Baptiste is now at Brentford, though he has only 1 sub appearance in the league, but Tariq Fosu has made 4(8) appearances so far for them, so what's the betting his first goal will be in this game?!

Chirstian Norgaard is about Brentford's only injury worry though central defender Ethan Pinnock misses out through suspension thanks to being sent off at Watford on Tuesday. Reading have are still suffering with injuries to Yiadom, Araruna, Richards, Meite, Joao, Puscas and Swift which, when you think about it, is over half a first team in numbers - so if Reading do manage come away with any pointage from this game they'll have done very well.

Referee

Keith "3 years and 7 games since my last Reading win" Stroud

Previously

07 Nov 2020 > Reading 0-3 Stoke City
08 Jan 2020 > Millwall 2-0 Reading
28 Sep 2019 > Swansea City 1-1 Reading
05 May 2019 > Reading 0-0 Birmingham City
10 Apr 2019 > Norwich City 2-2 Reading
27 Oct 2018 > Swansea City 2-0 Reading
28 Apr 2018 > Reading 0-4 Ipswich Town
02 Dec 2017 > Sunderland 1-3 Reading
04 Nov 2017 > Derby County 2-4 Reading
01 Apr 2017 > Reading 1-0 Leeds United
14 Feb 2017 > Reading 3-2 Brentford
19 Nov 2016 > Reading 3-0 Burton Albion
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 Hotspur 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)

Historically

Reading have won roughly a quarter of the league games played at Brentford (10 out of 44) but have lost on 20 occasions. Brentford have won 7 of the last 11 league games played between the sides (W7, D3, L1).

Expect Reading to have to score at least twice to have a chance of winning the game as Reading have failed to keep a clean sheet at Brentford since the days of Steve Death and 17 Sep 1973 came along. That's a total of almost exactly 46 years and 22 games (but then Reading have only ever kept 2 clean sheets in the league at Brentford so perhaps that isn't really a surprise).

But at least Reading have never lost a game at the Brentford Community Stadium....

How to follow the game

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

[windermereROYAL]

Keith stroud, give them the f*cking game, no point in turning up.

[Zip]

Not looking forward to this one. We have only picked up 11 points from our last 11 games which is hugely disappointing after the start we made.

[windermereROYAL]

Not looking forward to this one. We have only picked up 11 points from our last 11 games which is hugely disappointing after the start we made.

And1 goal conceded in the first 7 games, 22 in 12 since. Ivan Toney looks the complete striker, we will have our work cut out keeping him quiet.

[Zip]

Not looking forward to this one. We have only picked up 11 points from our last 11 games which is hugely disappointing after the start we made.

And1 goal conceded in the first 7 games, 22 in 12 since. Ivan Toney looks the complete striker, we will have our work cut out keeping him quiet.

Indeed. The worst part of the goals conceded is how many of those were self inflicted.

[windermereROYAL]

Not looking forward to this one. We have only picked up 11 points from our last 11 games which is hugely disappointing after the start we made.

And1 goal conceded in the first 7 games, 22 in 12 since. Ivan Toney looks the complete striker, we will have our work cut out keeping him quiet.

Indeed. The worst part of the goals conceded is how many of those were self inflicted.

I can think of 6 without even trying.

[Hound]

Not looking forward to this one. We have only picked up 11 points from our last 11 games which is hugely disappointing after the start we made.

It’s true but when we’ve had close to a full side we’ve been very good. Birmingham probably the exception but even then we might have sneaked something had Meite and Joao not got injured at the end (or missed a penalty etc)

It’s probably what we all knew - our first 11 is excellent, and we’ve 3 or 4 very good players to support those. Beyond that it’s a struggle

[Stranded]

Not looking forward to this one. We have only picked up 11 points from our last 11 games which is hugely disappointing after the start we made.

It’s true but when we’ve had close to a full side we’ve been very good. Birmingham probably the exception but even then we might have sneaked something had Meite and Joao not got injured at the end (or missed a penalty etc)

It’s probably what we all knew - our first 11 is excellent, and we’ve 3 or 4 very good players to support those. Beyond that it’s a struggle

Also depends on how you want to look at the 11 points from 11 games run - I prefer to look at it that we have recovered excellently after a horror run of 4 straight defeats and now injuries threaten to derail that recovery. Before yesterday's defeat we had taken 11/18 points over the past 6 games - only 3 teams in the division had picked up more and we lost to one of them last night.

Even with last nights defeat our form is 10/18 - putting us 7th on current form. Team should certainly take pride in this recovery, which is why I have confidence we can hang around this year esp. if we can pick up 4 points from the next 3 games.

However you want to look at it, isn't it nice for a change that we are worrying that an injury crisis may derail a push for autos/play-offs rather than pull is in to the bottom 3.

As for Saturday - we are on current form the 6th best team away from home whilst Brentford are 16th on home form - I would much rather be going there then them visiting us. With the squad available a win will be tough but no reason we can't come away with a point, which will keep us in the top 6 ahead of a winnable home game on Boxing Day.

[Hound]

Not looking forward to this one. We have only picked up 11 points from our last 11 games which is hugely disappointing after the start we made.

It’s true but when we’ve had close to a full side we’ve been very good. Birmingham probably the exception but even then we might have sneaked something had Meite and Joao not got injured at the end (or missed a penalty etc)

It’s probably what we all knew - our first 11 is excellent, and we’ve 3 or 4 very good players to support those. Beyond that it’s a struggle

Also depends on how you want to look at the 11 points from 11 games run - I prefer to look at it that we have recovered excellently after a horror run of 4 straight defeats and now injuries threaten to derail that recovery. Before yesterday's defeat we had taken 11/18 points over the past 6 games - only 3 teams in the division had picked up more and we lost to one of them last night.

Even with last nights defeat our form is 10/18 - putting us 7th on current form. Team should certainly take pride in this recovery, which is why I have confidence we can hang around this year esp. if we can pick up 4 points from the next 3 games.

However you want to look at it, isn't it nice for a change that we are worrying that an injury crisis may derail a push for autos/play-offs rather than pull is in to the bottom 3.

As for Saturday - we are on current form the 6th best team away from home whilst Brentford are 16th on home form - I would much rather be going there then them visiting us. With the squad available a win will be tough but no reason we can't come away with a point, which will keep us in the top 6 ahead of a winnable home game on Boxing Day.

I think thats fair. Brentford will definitely be a toughie though.

Swift apparently back for boxing day which will help a bit.

[Zip]

It’s true but when we’ve had close to a full side we’ve been very good. Birmingham probably the exception but even then we might have sneaked something had Meite and Joao not got injured at the end (or missed a penalty etc)

It’s probably what we all knew - our first 11 is excellent, and we’ve 3 or 4 very good players to support those. Beyond that it’s a struggle

Also depends on how you want to look at the 11 points from 11 games run - I prefer to look at it that we have recovered excellently after a horror run of 4 straight defeats and now injuries threaten to derail that recovery. Before yesterday's defeat we had taken 11/18 points over the past 6 games - only 3 teams in the division had picked up more and we lost to one of them last night.

Even with last nights defeat our form is 10/18 - putting us 7th on current form. Team should certainly take pride in this recovery, which is why I have confidence we can hang around this year esp. if we can pick up 4 points from the next 3 games.

However you want to look at it, isn't it nice for a change that we are worrying that an injury crisis may derail a push for autos/play-offs rather than pull is in to the bottom 3.

As for Saturday - we are on current form the 6th best team away from home whilst Brentford are 16th on home form - I would much rather be going there then them visiting us. With the squad available a win will be tough but no reason we can't come away with a point, which will keep us in the top 6 ahead of a winnable home game on Boxing Day.

I think thats fair. Brentford will definitely be a toughie though.

Swift apparently back for boxing day which will help a bit.

A point would be very good and much needed especially with Swansea coming up. If we are to stay in play off contention we need to beat Luton on Boxing Day. I can’t help but feel Joao would have made a difference last night. Their centre backs looked very ordinary.

[Zip]

Not looking forward to this one. We have only picked up 11 points from our last 11 games which is hugely disappointing after the start we made.

It’s true but when we’ve had close to a full side we’ve been very good. Birmingham probably the exception but even then we might have sneaked something had Meite and Joao not got injured at the end (or missed a penalty etc)

It’s probably what we all knew - our first 11 is excellent, and we’ve 3 or 4 very good players to support those. Beyond that it’s a struggle

Yes fair comment. I’m just peed off that such a positive start to the season is being derailed.

[Hound]

Not looking forward to this one. We have only picked up 11 points from our last 11 games which is hugely disappointing after the start we made.

It’s true but when we’ve had close to a full side we’ve been very good. Birmingham probably the exception but even then we might have sneaked something had Meite and Joao not got injured at the end (or missed a penalty etc)

It’s probably what we all knew - our first 11 is excellent, and we’ve 3 or 4 very good players to support those. Beyond that it’s a struggle

Yes fair comment. I’m just peed off that such a positive start to the season is being derailed.

Not sure its been derailed as such - still in 5th. Just going to have to scrape through until we get some forwards back and I think the Play offs are still definitely a possibility

When you look at the depth of our squad compared to the likes of Norwich, Bournemouth and Watford, it was always going to be a struggle to get higher than that

[WestYorksRoyal]

Will take a point here. Agree with comments on squad depth. Our first XI is good, and then Swift, Puscas, Semedo, Holmes, Gibson, Southwood and McIntyre range from very good to useful. But beyond that, the players we're being forced to use are either not ready for this level or simply not good enough.

[Stranded]

It’s true but when we’ve had close to a full side we’ve been very good. Birmingham probably the exception but even then we might have sneaked something had Meite and Joao not got injured at the end (or missed a penalty etc)

It’s probably what we all knew - our first 11 is excellent, and we’ve 3 or 4 very good players to support those. Beyond that it’s a struggle

Yes fair comment. I’m just peed off that such a positive start to the season is being derailed.

Not sure its been derailed as such - still in 5th. Just going to have to scrape through until we get some forwards back and I think the Play offs are still definitely a possibility

When you look at the depth of our squad compared to the likes of Norwich, Bournemouth and Watford, it was always going to be a struggle to get higher than that

It is literally no coincidence that the top 3 are the relegated sides - they have bigger squads where the back-ups would probably improve a decent percentage of other sides first teams.

[Hound]

Yes fair comment. I’m just peed off that such a positive start to the season is being derailed.

Not sure its been derailed as such - still in 5th. Just going to have to scrape through until we get some forwards back and I think the Play offs are still definitely a possibility

When you look at the depth of our squad compared to the likes of Norwich, Bournemouth and Watford, it was always going to be a struggle to get higher than that

It is literally no coincidence that the top 3 are the relegated sides - they have bigger squads where the back-ups would probably improve a decent percentage of other sides first teams.

I've not always subscribed to the parachute payment being an issue, but it does really feel like those 3 teams have a massive advantage over everyone else this year. Even a team like Brentford who you think would be very strong after selling 45m worth of players and reinvesting some well, look at a distinct disadvantage if they get a few injuries

Said it all when Norwich had Cantwell on Hugill coming on really. I think they've played the game well tbh, went up, pocketed the money, sold a couple for a decent amount, and now they are sitting pretty with a shed load of cash in their pocket, and a young side with plenty of further sellable assets

[URZZZZ]

Rafael

Esteves
Holmes
Morrison
Moore
Gibson

Laurent
Rinomhota

Olise
Ejaria

Baldock

Walker Watson Bristow McIntyre East Onen Aluko Semedo Melvin Lambert

Similar to what Bowen was trying in pre season, not exactly blessed with attacking options at the moment

[Hound]

Rafael

Esteves
Holmes
Morrison
Moore
Gibson

Laurent
Rinomhota

Olise
Ejaria

Baldock

Walker Watson Bristow McIntyre East Onen Aluko Semedo Melvin Lambert

Similar to what Bowen was trying in pre season, not exactly blessed with attacking options at the moment

yeah I'd go with that team. Aluko didn't offer too much and Baldock should be starting

[Sutekh]

Yes fair comment. I’m just peed off that such a positive start to the season is being derailed.

Not sure its been derailed as such - still in 5th. Just going to have to scrape through until we get some forwards back and I think the Play offs are still definitely a possibility

When you look at the depth of our squad compared to the likes of Norwich, Bournemouth and Watford, it was always going to be a struggle to get higher than that

It is literally no coincidence that the top 3 are the relegated sides - they have bigger squads where the back-ups would probably improve a decent percentage of other sides first teams.

Also it’s very unusual for all 3 PL relegated clubs to be up at the top. Usually 1 or 2 of them are having a bit of difficulty adjusting.

[Hound]

Not sure its been derailed as such - still in 5th. Just going to have to scrape through until we get some forwards back and I think the Play offs are still definitely a possibility

When you look at the depth of our squad compared to the likes of Norwich, Bournemouth and Watford, it was always going to be a struggle to get higher than that

It is literally no coincidence that the top 3 are the relegated sides - they have bigger squads where the back-ups would probably improve a decent percentage of other sides first teams.

Also it’s very unusual for all 3 PL relegated clubs to be up at the top. Usually 1 or 2 of them are having a bit of difficulty adjusting.

yes thats true. I'm not sure why particularly this year. Norwich always seemed to plan to come back down, but not sure on the others

[Stranded]

Not sure its been derailed as such - still in 5th. Just going to have to scrape through until we get some forwards back and I think the Play offs are still definitely a possibility

When you look at the depth of our squad compared to the likes of Norwich, Bournemouth and Watford, it was always going to be a struggle to get higher than that

It is literally no coincidence that the top 3 are the relegated sides - they have bigger squads where the back-ups would probably improve a decent percentage of other sides first teams.

Also it’s very unusual for all 3 PL relegated clubs to be up at the top. Usually 1 or 2 of them are having a bit of difficulty adjusting.

It is - but the unusual circumstances for this year are I think helping them out esp. as they all have kept a large number of players from the PL following relegation and teams already in the Champ haven't been able to strengthen massively over a shortened summer with tighter purse strings.