Another Chance To Halt The Slide

04 November 2014
By Hob Nob Anyone?

Reading again have the chance to stop the slide with a home game against opposition below us in the table. Reading's only win in the last eight league games came against bottom of the table Blackpool at the Madejski Stadium a week and a half ago. Tonight's visitors, Rotherham, should provide much tougher resistance than Blackpool offered but will still be seen as a rare opportunity for Reading to pick up three points at home.

A quick glance at the table means Reading fans will expect nothing less than a win and a defeat would add further pressure to Nigel Adkins. However Rotherham's form is far better than the Royals. Rotherham were beaten by third placed Middlesbrough at the weekend but before that had gone five games without defeat - two wins and three draws. The Millers last two away games have both been 1-1 draws - at Brighton and Norwich. Given Reading's shocking defensive record recently this is a game that could head any direction. If Reading lose they will see the visitors climb above them in the table and will find themselves closer to the bottom three.

Michael Hector should be back in the side after missing Saturday's 1-3 defeat to Blackburn due to suspension. However Anton Ferdinand was on the bench on Saturday and might make his first appearance in a Reading shirt. Danny Williams has also completed his return from injury after coming on as a late substitute when Reading were already 1-3 down. He may well play a bigger role in this game as Adkins looks to shuffle the squad. Having more players available fighting for positions in the starting eleven will be a rare luxury for Adkins as he attempts to reverse Reading's slide down the Championship.

Reading's last match against Rotherham was a 0-1 away defeat in March 2005. It's been over 10 years since we last played the Millers at home - a 1-0 victory in August 2004 with Dave Kitson scoring the only goal from the penalty spot just before half time.

• Reading and Rotherham - Match Report Archive
• Join the discussion: Reading -v- Rotherham - Prediction Thread

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