When : Saturday 27th August 2022, 3pm
Where : The Den, London, SE16 3LN
Capacity : 20,146
Next for the seemingly rejuvenated Royals is the first in a run of three very difficult and usually (for Reading) completely unrewarding away games; Millwall, Sheffield United and Watford. What will make this even trickier than than normal is the fact that so far Reading have basically failed to turn up or compete in the two previous away games, both against teams who are likely to be struggling this season, so it’s really going to be a big ask to pull points out of these fixtures.
Millwall have started brightly with 7 points and have a 100% unbeaten home record after dispatching Stoke and Coventry. In addition they won the last 3 home games of last season as well meaning they’re currently on a run of 5 straight home wins so Reading will really need to be organised and on their game in this one.
The Lions lost 4 players over the summer in Jed Wallace, Mahlon Romeo, Maikel Kieftenbeld and Alex Pearce. In their place have arrived Benik Afobe from Stoke, George Honeyman from Hull and Zian Flemming from Fortuna Sittard all to liven up the midfield and attacking options at the club.
Though the midfield and attacking options have been livened up there is still very much a threat to be had from the defenders as between them Charlie Cresswell and Jake Cooper have already bagged 3 of the 5 goals Millwall have actually scored themselves (both of the other goals were scored for them by Swansea). Therefore some form of determination to not give away set pieces easily will required in the Reading ranks.
Injuries. Mason Bennett is the one player sidelined for Millwall. while Reading continue to have their usual injury crisis though Scott Dann may return to the ranks and Naby Sarr may actually be able to partake of a game so long as George Puscas has finally signed for someone (and he can remember how to play).
Referee
Premier League official Chris Kavanagh returns for his first Reading fixture in 5 years.
Previously
17 Apr 2017 > Reading 2-1 Rotherham United
13 Sep 2016 > Reading 0-0 Birmingham City
16 Aug 2015 > Reading 0-0 Leeds United
Historically
This will be the 103rd league game against Millwall and the 52nd time Reading will have trekked across to South East London. Currently it is definitely a case of the home team ruling as Millwall have won more than half of those league games (28) to Reading's tally of just 10. There is also a tendency to concede goals like they're going out of fashion at Millwall with Reading's 39 strikes being well and truly trounced by more than double the amount (80) from Millwall.
Finally, recent form at the Den has seen just 2 points return to Berkshire from the last 6 visits so a real test for what might be a new, improved Reading.
How to follow the game
- Get a ticket and go
- 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)
