Off to St Andrews then in an attempt to avoid the usual misery that tends to follow games with our midland friends. Even more so with Birmingham on a run of nine games without a win as we all know what tends to happen when playing sides with those sorts of records e.g. Villa no away wins for a year, Fulham one home win all season, Derby no league goals in god knows how long etc.

This is the sort of demanding game we're going to have aplenty over the next few weeks. Something that looks winnable but isn't going to be easy especially as we seem to be entering another defensive crisis and could be in real trouble if another centre back succumbs to injury or suspension.

Birmingham are in the process of rebuilding under new manager Zola and have already signed three new names; Cheick Keita, Emilio Nsue and Kerim Frei who could all be involved in the game. Thankfully Clayton Donaldson is injured and Greg Stewart is likely to miss out but the likes of Lukas Jutkiewicz and David Cotterill are still willing to inflict damage.

Reading have Berg, Quinn, Rakels, Harriott and Ilori all missing. Kermorgant, Blackett and Obita are also thought to be less serious carrying knocks. On the upside there is a small chance new signing Adrian Popa could on the bench.

Referee

Lancashire's Jeremy Simpson will be the man in control for this one, his 5th Reading game in just over a year



Previously...

17 Dec 2016 > Blackburn Rovers 2-3 Reading
09 Sep 2016 > Reading 2-1 Ipswich Town (managed to book 9 players)
16 Apr 2016 > Leeds United 3-2 Reading
09 Jan 2016 > Huddersfield Town 2-2 Reading (FA Cup 3)
20 Oct 2015 > Rotherham United 1-1 Reading

Historically

It took Reading until 1986 before they managed a league game with Birmingham and of the first nine league games played between the sides, seven ended in draws. To me it just seems that the fixture has subsequently struggled with an air of dour tedium ever since - particularly as Birmingham have won more games than Reading both home and away

This game will be the fifteenth league visit to St Andrews and while Reading have accounted for four wins, Birmingham have recorded six including the utterly embarrassing 6-1 "effort" that finally did for Adkins just over a couple of years ago.

Usually there are goals in this game and a clean sheet for either side is a bit unlikely (esp. in Reading's case having managed just the one to Birmingham's three). Put simply a 0-0 is the least likely outcome (so you now all know what score to put your wedge on).

1-0.

450 Away fans.

Birmingham have been sliding down the league since sacking Rowett and Zola is still to record a win.

So congrats on the 3 points tomorrow Brummies.

Seriously though, we'll win 2-0.

I can only see us keeping Jutkiewicz quiet if both McShane & Moore are fit.

I also hope Jaap puts Evans in for Swift to firm up the middle a bit and give an outlet (I think we would miss Williams / Kelly's energy)

1-2

+1

Despite scoring the goal Swift hasn't been great of late. Keep on the bench and bring him on and let him prove something. Williams is Williams but Kelly is the only one currently undropable. Controls everything.

Al-Habsi, Gunter, Moore, Blackett, Obita, Evans, Williams, Swift, Kelly, Beerens, McCleary

Popa on the bench.

Ok, what injury has McShane got now, any clues anywhere?

And I presume Yann is on the bench?

Think we're going to struggle....

Both Kermorgant and McShane were struggling at the end of the Cardiff game. Digging deep tonight.

Obita and Blackett both supposedly carrying knocks too. Could potentially end up with Evans and Weiser at the back by the end of the night.

I'm of the opinion a result tonight would be very good indeed. I'd certainly take a point.

Anyone remember Danzell Gravenberch?

No Yann is a big blow as is McShane

Obv the game on Saturday took its toll. Win here missing those 2 would be a fine achievement

Only 6 named subs

Don't understand that at all. You know it's deadline day and that Samuel may well be negotiating somewhere so why not take the extra player to give yourself the extra option?

Reading starting XI vs Birmingham: Al-Habsi, Gunter (c), Obita, Moore, Blackett, Williams, Evans, Swift, Kelly, Beerens, McCleary.

Reading subs vs Birmingham: Jaakkola, Mendes, Wieser, Meite, Popa, Watson.

Are we going 4-6-0 tonight?

oxf*rd Kevin Dillon tonight.

Paul Robinson in CB for them tonight. Hes 5ft9 and 40. Beerens and McCleary should have fun.

Worked last time, although I'd suggest that Evans Ends up somewhere between defense and midfield.

What is our injury list?

He made his debut in 1996 which is before some of the younger nobbers were born.

It's a record of the players who are currently unable to play because a part or parts of their body has sustained damage.

And now can you explain the offside rule.

It's a record of the players who are currently unable to play because a part or parts of their body has sustained damage.

It's a record of the players who are currently unable to play because a part or parts of their body has sustained damage.

Shit.. How do you post gifs?

I saw it. Don't worry. It was funny.

Right click the gif, copy the image address and paste it as you would an image with the image button.

Surely a new record. Five minutes in and Dellor has told us that Gunter is an athlete.

Are we getting battered? Watching the game on Betfair, it looks like Brum are on top.

Do I need to do an early cash out while I still have the chance?

Yes we're utter G**h

Or are we ??