Improving Royals Travel To Preston

18 August 2017
By Hob Nob Anyone?

The season has got off to a frantic start as the Royals travel to Preston North End this weekend for their fourth Championship fixture of the season. The game could give an early indication on how Reading might fare this season after they seem to be improving game on game, making progress both in performances and results. The opening day defeat was followed by a disappointing 1-1 draw against a Fulham side that played the whole game with ten men. Jaap Stam dramatically corrected the faults against Fulham as Reading cruised to a comfortable victory over Aston Villa. The 2-1 scoreline failed to reflect Reading's dominance throughout the match.

Alongside Reading's first win of the season there was more positive news as players made returns from injury. Gareth McCleary and Roy Beerens both came off the bench, with McCleary looking fully fit and keen to try and win a place in the starting line-up. New signing Leandro Bacuna was forced to sit the game out on the bench, and wasn't called into action against his former club despite completing his move to Reading a few days before the match. He could make his debut against Preston. However, new sigings Barrow and Clement have both impressed will also be hoping for a start. With players coming back there is plenty of competition for places - none more so than in midfield and on the wings.

Preston's fortunes have been a mirror image of the Royals. They started with a 1-0 home victory over Sheffield Wednesday before a draw at Leeds was followed by a defeat on the road at Derby. As a result both Reading and Preston are sitting in the middle of the early Championship table with four points each. Preston have Ben Pearson returning from injury but are expected to be without Paul Gallagher. Bookmakers and pundits are firmly in favour of a Preston North End victory, but Reading will be hoping to build on the Aston Villa win and will be hopeful of at least a point.

Last season we kicked off the season with a 1-0 home win over Preston with John Swift getting the vital goal. It didn't go according to plan on the return fixture. The Royals ended up as 0-3 losers after letting in three in the opening 49 minutes. Reading's travelling fans will be hoping the Royals avoid a similar display this time around, and after some promising recent football, should have hope of an improvement this season.

Recent Meetings With PRESTON

DATE	COMPETITION	OPPOSITION	SCORE	REPORT
11 March 2017	Championship	Preston (Away)	L: 0-3	Read report...
06 August 2016	Championship	Preston (HOME)	W: 1-0	Read report...
30 April 2016	Championship	Preston (HOME)	L: 1-2	Read report...
12 December 2015	Championship	Preston (Away)	L: 0-1	Read report...
05 April 2011	Championship	Preston (HOME)	W: 2-1	Read report...
02 October 2010	Championship	Preston (Away)	D: 1-1	Read report...
02 May 2010	Championship	Preston (HOME)	W: 4-1	Read report...
29 September 2009	Championship	Preston (Away)	W: 2-1	Read report...
07 February 2009	Championship	Preston (HOME)	D: 0-0	Read report...
18 October 2008	Championship	Preston (Away)	L: 1-2	Read report...
25 February 2006	Championship	Preston (HOME)	W: 2-1	Read report...
13 August 2005	Championship	Preston (Away)	W: 3-0	Read report...
28 December 2004	Championship	Preston (Away)	L: 0-3	Read report...
14 September 2004	Championship	Preston (HOME)	W: 3-1	Read report...
02 March 2004	Division 1	Preston (Away)	L: 1-2	Read report...
13 January 2004	FA Cup	Preston (HOME)	L: 1-2	Read report...
03 January 2004	FA Cup	Preston (Away)	D: 3-3	Read report...
18 October 2003	Division 1	Preston (HOME)	W: 3-2	Read report...
15 April 2003	Division 1	Preston (HOME)	W: 5-1	Read report...
26 October 2002	Division 1	Preston (Away)	L: 0-1	Read report...
05 February 2000	Division Two	Preston (Away)	D: 2-2	Read report...
01 September 1999	Division Two	Preston (HOME)	D: 2-2	Read report...
20 February 1999	Division Two	Preston (HOME)	W: 2-1	Read report...
12 September 1998	Division Two	Preston (Away)	L: 0-4	Read report...

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