26 November 2016
By Alex Bower
"We're happy with how we're playing at the moment, but we know we can still improve. Third place is nice, but it's good to put in a performance and to keep winning games."
- Reading FC Manager Jaap Stam
"Bristol aren't in great form but we know they will pose a threat so we know we've got to be switched on. We'll try to attack this one the way we have with the other games over the last few weeks, we want to come out confident and try to impose ourselves on the game really quickly."
- Reading FC Defender Tyler Blackett
"Jaap Stam has come in and has tried to educate supporters and players with regards to how he believes football should be played. They're very expansive and make a lot of passes. Sometimes that can be quite frustrating for English fans to watch, especially when a lot of those passes take place in your own half. However, it's clearly working for Reading so no one can argue when you're being successful."
- Bristol City Manager Lee Johnson
"I've had some bad times at the Madejski Stadium - I can't remember ever winning there. Reading's form is a worry for us, but that's something we need to overcome. In this league, it's always going to be a difficult game."
- Bristol City Defender Mark Little
Reading will be looking to hold onto third place in the Championship on Saturday as they face Bristol City. The Robins currently find themselves in tenth and will be keen on improving their current form by securing the win.
The Royals have now won four Championship games in a row, beating Burton Albion 3-0 last time out at the Madejski. Dominic Samuel scored his first league goal for the club when he converted at the back post. Danny Williams made it two with his finish from close range and a John Brayford own goal made it three.
While Reading are in a good spell of form, the same cannot be said about City. The Robins have won only one of their last five games and have not won away since September. In their last game away to Birmingham City a single goal settled the game. With only minutes to spare Che Adams netted for the Blues and they went on to win the game 1-0.
Recent match-ups between the sides suggest the odds are in Reading's favour going into the weekend. The Royals have won the last five games between the two sides and the last time Bristol won away from home against Reading was back in 2009. With home advantage on their side, Reading will be confident of continuing their winning run.
In terms of absences, the Royals will be without a number of their squad. Stephen Quinn remains out with a knee injury- as is Yann Kermorgant- and John Swift is also sidelined. Anssi Jaakkola has yet to return to full training so will not be in the squad. Joey van den Berg, meanwhile, has been recovering from his injury and there is a small chance he could play some part at the weekend.
Bristol have some injuries of their own to contend with as Joel Ekstrand is ruled out with an ankle injury. Winger Luke Freeman has returned to training after an ankle injury and could be in contention for a place in the squad to face the Royals.
Bristol have some talented players at their disposal, including the likes of Tammy Abraham, so should not be underestimated. Based on Reading's current form and previous performances by Bristol at the Madejski, however, the Royals will be the favourites to pick up their fifth league win in a row.
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