Royals Favourites For First League Win Against MK Dons

21 August 2015
By Hob Nob Anyone?

Reading are on the hunt for their first league win of the season as MK Dons visit the Madejski Stadium this weekend. The visitors are fourth in the early league table after picking up two wins from their opening three league fixtures. They opened their campaign with a convincing 4-1 away win at Rotherham, before a 1-0 home defeat to Preston was followed by this week's 1-0 victory over Bolton.

Reading opened with the 1-2 defeat at Birmingham, played out a dull 0-0 draw with Leeds before Wednesday's disappointment at Sheffield Wednesday. Danny Williams looked to have earnt Reading the full three points before Jonathan Bond gifted the home side a late equaliser after dropping the ball six yards out under little pressure. The 1-1 draw means Reading have collected just two points out of a possible nine and are in a familiar territory in the bottom third of the Championship table.

After a very busy summer in the transfer market, the Royals have added Spanish midfielder Alex Hernandez to the squad this week after he arrived on loan from Espanyol. Hernandez is due to stay for the rest of the season and joins winger Paolo Hurtado looking to earn a first appearance in the blue and white hoops. Hurtado is not expected to start as he looks to improve on fitness before making his full debut. Although it's early in the season, Reading still have an extensive injury list. Dominic Samuel is still recovering with a knee injury. Pavel Pogrebnyak and Garath McCleary are closer to a return but remain doubtful. Reading boss Steve Clarke could have the much hyped Tariqe Fosu available again.

There's no history between Reading and MK Dons. This will be our first fixture against the side who were very dubiously formed to take the place of Wimbledon. Wimbledon were forced to start again to earn their rightful place back in the football league. It's difficult to forget history, and so there are few games I'd like to win more than this one this season after the disappointment of MK Dons getting promoted out of League One last season. It must be difficult living in Milton Keynes and choosing to support your local professional side.

The Royals are 6/5 to beat high-flying MK Dons tomorrow - can we pick up our first three points of the season to close the gap between us and Karl Robinson's side, who start the weekend in the playoffs? It's early days but Orlando Sa has already missed a couple of easy chances - can he get on the scoresheet for the first time since joining Reading? Whatever you predict to happen there's a bet365 free bet up for grabs before Saturday's game.

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