Off the the east to face the might of Ipswich Town next. True the Suffolk side aren't at their best this season and are struggling as Mick McCarthy instigates a process of rebuilding but it will still be a stern test and how many times have Reading failed to get results at clubs who are in a bit of a dip in recent seasons?

On the team news front Ipswich are hoping midfielder Tom Lawrence will shake off an ankle injury that he picked up against Derby while Luke Hyam, Teddy Bishop and Johnny Williams are all definitely out. New loan signing Dominic Samuel will have to wait for his debut not being eligible after Tuesday's move but Steven Taylor and Toumani Diagouraga are both eligible.

Meanwhile Reading are hoping that both Kermorgant and McShane will be fit enough. Obviously still out are Quinn, Ilori, Berg and Harriott and though Rakels played some part of the U21s game on Monday an appearance at Portman Road will be asking too much.

As to team selection, well I think it really is a case of your guess being as good as anyone's. All four signings made in the last week could debut but equally we could see hide nor hair of them so other than the 4 or 5 certainties (Habsi, Gunter, Moore, Williams etc.) anything could happen. Personally I'd like to see a line up of Habsi, Gunter, Moore L, McShane, Obita, Kelly, Evans, Beerens, McCleary, Kermorgant and Grabban but I should imagine it'll be closer to the side that took to the field up at Birmingham on Tuesday

Referee

Making the long awkward journey down from Count Durham to take care of proceedings is Geoff Eltringham



Previously

13 Dec 2016 > Leeds United 2-0 Reading
02 Apr 2016 > Bolton Wanderers 0-1 Reading
12 Dec 2015 > Preston North End 1-0 Reading
07 Apr 2015 > Blackpool 1-1 Reading
23 Nov 2013 > Blackburn Rovers 0-0 Reading
14 Feb 2012 > Derby County 0-1 Reading

Historically

While Reading have had a little of the upper hand over Ipswich in recent years it seems to be a case of things evening out as Ipswich were well in command before then. The two sides were fairly regularly competitors with each other just after the war and that continued until Ipswich vanished from lower division membership in 1957 (and they're yet to return there). Since the mid 90s Ipswich have been one of the most regular opponents for Reading.

This game will be the 56th league meeting and therefore the 28th time we've travelled up to Portman Road. Our record there, possibly as you'd expect, leans heavily toward Ipswich wins with them having record 15 to Reading's miserly 8. Draws are uncommon generally with only 4 at Portman Road and none of the last 17 games have finished all square - so, having mentioned that, the chance of such an outcome has now been increased!

Yeah I agree the price is a rip off. We should beat them if we play as we have in the past few games.

IN before the merge.

IN! for

Starting XI vs Ipswich: Al-Habsi, Gunter (c), Obita, Moore, Blackett, Swift, Williams, Kelly, Mutch, McCleary, Kermorgant.

Subs vs Ipswich: Jaakkola, Evans, Beerens, Meite, Popa, Oxford, Grabban.

Jaap's done it again. Would never have had Mutch down as starting.

Reading XI : Habsi, Gunter, Moore, Blackett, Obita, Mutch, Kelly, Williams, McCleary, Swift, Kermorgant

Subs : Jaakkola, Popa, Oxford, Grabban, Evans, Beerens, Meite

Ipswich XI : Bialkowski, Emmanuel, Chambers, Taylor, Berra, Knudsen, Skuse, Diagouraga, Huws, Lawrence, McGoldrick

Subs : Gerken, Spence, Ward, Bishop, Moore, Sears, Pitman

Seems a bit harsh on Evans to be dropped for Mutch, but I guess Jaap knows best...

4 CMs? How do they all fit do you think?

Williams right wing back.

Kelly \Mutch centre midfield.

Swift playing ahead and given the freedom to float.

Williams right wing back.

Kelly \Mutch centre midfield.

Swift playing ahead and given the freedom to float.
Then where is Gunter playing?

Williams right wing back.

Kelly \Mutch centre midfield.

Swift playing ahead and given the freedom to float.
Then where is Gunter playing?

LFB. Looks like 4-4-2 with DW at RFB.

Unless CG is third CH.

Yep, could well be DW RWB JO LWB, with CG, LM and TB 3 CHs.

I wonder if he is going with a back 4 with possibly 4 in midfield and 2 up front or 5 in midfield with both Kelly and McCleary roaming.

Mutch looks happy to be there...

Then where is Gunter playing?

LFB. Looks like 4-4-2 with DW at RFB.

Unless CG is third CH.

Yep, could well be DW RWB JO LWB, with CG, LM and TB 3 CHs.
I just dont see why we would play a CM at RB, a RB at LB and a LB at LW when we have fit players in all those positions?

LFB. Looks like 4-4-2 with DW at RFB.

Unless CG is third CH.

Yep, could well be DW RWB JO LWB, with CG, LM and TB 3 CHs.
I just dont see why we would play a CM at RB, a RB at LB and a LB at LW when we have fit players in all those positions?

Agree, but then Stam hasn't been wrong too much so far!

I just dont see why we would play a CM at RB, a RB at LB and a LB at LW when we have fit players in all those positions?

Agree, but then Stam hasn't been wrong too much so far!
True!

Having trouble stringing one pass together so far. Haven't caused any problems at all for Ipswich.

It's not going to be one of those performances....

Not a great start but still 0-0, as is every other game in the Championship apparently.

All very very scrappy with Reading struggling to put any pressure on Ipswich at all. What there has been is a few minor worrying moments defensively as Ipswich try to make something going forward.

Ipswich already have had to make a substitution with Skuse being replace by Ward.

From the way you are reviewing the action I assume you are there. How is Mutch looking?

Cooper has scored for Milwall. Well done him.

Good to hear, a bit of confidence will do him the world of good.

Sigh....1-0 Ipswich.

Bugger

Anyone at the game able to comment on formation and shape? Stats dont shine in our favour currently.

Not there, but looks like the same back 5 as against Birmingham

Evans must feel pretty pissed off - had a good game against Birmingham. Hardly heard Mutch in the commentary