Tough Run Starts At Huddersfield Tonight

21 February 2017
By Hob Nob Anyone?

It's third versus fourth tonight as Reading make the trip to Huddersfield looking to cement a place in the top six and keep in touch with the top two. With a visit to Brighton coming up at the weekend it's make or break time on an outside chance of automatic promotion. Only six points will do if Reading want to stay as contenders for a top two finish. The gap between Reading and seventh place is nine points but that could soon be eroded if these two games bring two defeats. Many, both inside and outside the club, still think that Reading's position in the table is somehow "false" rather than just suprising. Tonight's game is a real chance to prove our promotion credentials - if only we can avoid defeat.

When Huddersfield visited the Madejski Stadium earlier this season it was Reading that picked up the three points thanks to Roy Beerens who scored the only goal of the game. That was way back in September, but after the game Huddersfield were second and Reading were fourth - so little has changed since then. Both sides have had dips in form inbetween but it has been a suprisingly consistant league season from both clubs. Last season we were beaten 1-3 in the League at Huddersfield but drew 2-2 in the FA Cup before winning the replay 5-2 at home after being two goals down. There is a lot of recent history between the sides and the record is very evenly split.

Having waited a week for a game after last Tuesday night's dramatic 3-2 victory over Brentford, Reading have no new injury concerns. The Royals will have both Paul McShane and Joey van den Berg available for selection after they have completed their returns from injury. The return of McShane is great news as Reading look to tighten the defence and Jaap Stam is seriously spoilt for choice with loan defender Reece Oxford having to sit it out on the bench. Oxford will have to keep waiting with McShane and van den Berg probably both above him in the selection order.

Stam is also spoilt for choice in midfield. Swift scored an important first goal of the game against Brentford but Reading looked much improved after a triple substitution that included Evans joining the action as Reading turned the game around. Beerens will also be hoping to start but may find the competition for a starting place too tough. Grabban is yet to make a real impression at the club but Kermorgant looked strong when he played the last twenty minutes against Brentford. So many options!

Recent Meetings With Huddersfield

DATE COMPETITION OPPOSITION SCORE REPORT
24 September 2016 Championship Huddersfield (HOME) W: 1-0 Read report...
08 March 2016 Championship Huddersfield (Away) L: 1-3 Read report...
19 January 2016 FA Cup Huddersfield (HOME) W: 5-2 Read report...
09 January 2016 FA Cup Huddersfield (Away) D: 2-2 Read report...
03 November 2015 Championship Huddersfield (HOME) D: 2-2 Read report...
24 February 2015 Championship Huddersfield (Away) L: 0-3 Read report...
03 January 2015 FA Cup Huddersfield (Away) W: 1-0 Read report...
19 August 2014 Championship Huddersfield (HOME) L: 1-2 Read report...
29 March 2014 Championship Huddersfield (HOME) D: 1-1 Read report...
14 December 2013 Championship Huddersfield (Away) W: 1-0 Read report...

 

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