16 March 2017
By Hob Nob Anyone?
The run of tough away fixtures against play-off and promotion rivals continues with a trip to Sheffield Wednesday on Friday evening. The Royals travel to Sheffield after recent away defeats at Preston, Brighton and Huddersfield. Those three defeats, in which Reading have failed to score a goal, have cast Reading's promotion hopes into serious doubt with the Royals now just three points inside the play-off positions. Fulham, one place outside the play-offs, are hoping to sneak into sixth place at the expense of either the Royals or Wednesday. All the games are crucial at this stage of the season, but another away defeat for Reading could have serious consequences on a top six finish.
Reading have only won two games out of their last eight - that's hardly the form of a promotion chasing side. Away from home we have picked up just a single point from our last four attempts. The only consolation for Reading is that Sheffield Wednesday's recent form is so similar. The form for both sides in the league reads two defeats, a win and a draw, followed by another defeat. While Reading were losing 0-3 at Preston last weekend, the Owls were losing 0-2 at Aston Villa. However Wednesday's last two home games have been a 5-1 win over Norwich City and a 1-1 draw with Burton Albion. The Royals will need a change in their form away from the Madejski to get anything from this. If Reading are beaten on the road again they are likely to be the only team in the top ten with a negative goal difference.
Jaap Stam may happily state that the plan was never to get promoted this season, but having been in the play-off positions for most of the season, it will still be a huge disappointment to drop out of the top six on the final run in. Reading were third in the table for ages before the recent drop in form. The outside chance of automatic promotion has long gone but Reading should still remain favourites for a play-off finish.
After a poor defensive performance at Preston, Stam may have both Liam Moore and Paul McShane available for selection. Moore has been out injured and McShane was replaced after 73 minutes at Preston - giving Reece Oxford some rare time on the pitch. Stam's changes this week will probably be in defence, but there are question marks in midfield where Liam Kelly could be back in the side after being rested. George Evans was an unused substitute last weekend and is another option. For the home side striker Forestieri is expected to miss out through injury and defender Vincent Sasso will definately be ruled out as he begins his suspension.
| DATE | COMPETITION | OPPOSITION | SCORE | REPORT |
| 10 December 2016 | Championship | Sheff Wed (HOME) | W: 2-1 | Read report... |
| 23 January 2016 | Championship | Sheff Wed (HOME) | D: 1-1 | Read report... |
| 19 August 2015 | Championship | Sheff Wed (Away) | D: 1-1 | Read report... |
| 31 January 2015 | Championship | Sheff Wed (HOME) | W: 2-0 | Read report... |
| 20 September 2014 | Championship | Sheff Wed (Away) | L: 0-1 | Read report... |
| 08 February 2014 | Championship | Sheff Wed (HOME) | L: 0-2 | Read report... |
| 02 November 2013 | Championship | Sheff Wed (Away) | L: 2-5 | Read report... |
| 27 February 2010 | Championship | Sheff Wed (HOME) | W: 5-0 | Read report... |
| 05 December 2009 | Championship | Sheff Wed (Away) | W: 2-0 | Read report... |
| 03 March 2009 | Championship | Sheff Wed (Away) | W: 2-1 | Read report... |
| 16 September 2008 | Championship | Sheff Wed (HOME) | W: 6-0 | Read report... |
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