When : Saturday 28th August 2021, 3pm
Where : John Smith's Stadium, Huddersfield, HD1 6PX
Capacity 24,121
Reading’s already rapidly disintegrating season next shows up far to the north in Huddersfield. Already proving themselves incapable of getting any pointage off of several of the “weaker” sides in the division, mainly thanks to a defence that is about as much use as a chocolate teapot, this game will be another real challenge.
Huddersfield have managed 7 points from their 4 opening games which is rather better than Reading’s pathetic showing. This includes winning their last 2 fixtures (at home to Preston and away at Sheffield United). Their only defeat so far is the 5-1 trouncing they received from one of the division’s favourites, Fulham, a couple of weeks ago.
Reading’s clever idea to get knocked out of the League Cup asap so they could concentrate more on building some form of defensive understanding gives them a clear week to do just that while a, no doubt, weakened Huddersfield team have the distraction of a home game against Everton reserves to get through.
Huddersfield will be without right back Gonzalo Ávila Gordón (“Pipa”) and striker Jordan Rhodes due to injury while young midfielder Lewis O’Brien is rumoured to be on Leeds’ radar in this transfer window. Reading’s dreadful injury list continues to grow with Tom McIntyre now added to Joao, Meite and Araruna (though no-one as yet knows the full extent of the latest issue) but at least Ejaria is expected to finally be able to be involved (perhaps play him in defence where he should only improve things).
Referee
Lee Doughty
Previously
25 Nov 20 > Millwall 1-1 Reading
Historically
The playing record is rather better than you'd expect for an awkward long trek up north. Of the 24 league seasons shared (all since 1976) Reading have managed 10 wins to Huddersfield's 11.
How to follow the game
- Get a ticket and travel
- Listen to Radio 5 Live and/or a myriad of other radio stations for score flashes
- Ring/text a mate for updates
- Use a RoyalsTV subscription
- BBC Radio Berkshire (FM : 104.4, 104.1 or 95.4 depending where you are in the area)