17 November 2017
By Hob Nob Anyone?
After the International break, the Royals return to Championship football this weekend with table toppers Wolverhampton Wanderers visiting the Madejski Stadium. After sixteen games played, Wolves have been beaten just three times, and find themselves two points clear in first place, after a recent run of 5 wins from 6 games. Their only recent league defeat was on the road at QPR at the end of October - a 1-2 defeat with QPR scoring the winner with nine minutes left to play. Wolves immediately followed that up with a 2-0 win at Norwich and a home win over Fulham by the same scoreline to underline their promotion credentials.
Meanwhile, at the same time as Wolves dropped three points, Reading were on a run of just one win from 8 league games, and we would all have been certain that Reading would be facing certain defeat when they came up against Wolves. However, times have changed, the Royals appear to have turned a corner with two excellent victories against decent teams and scoring 7 goals in the process. No one saw such a dramatic turn around and the victories over Nottingham Forest and Derby in our last two games have seen optimism return to Reading fans.
Should Reading continue the same style and determination they demonstrated before the break then they should give high flying Wolves a good game at least. Wolves are obviously firm favourites for the win, but Reading should relish the chance to continue their run and prove they could yet make something of this season. The result will hugely depend on if Reading are able to continue their news fast, postitive style of play.
Reading had a few injury concerns before the break, but should now have players back ready for selection. Tiago Ilori is expected to be available for action after his head injury suffered in a collision with Liam Moore. Moore has kept on playing through all bandaged up, but could be in the side without his distinctive head bandage this weekend. Joey van den Berg will be back in the squad and we may see Jon Dadi Bodvarsson in contention - if Jaap Stam thinks he is a useful option with Reading starting to find the goals and Yann Kermorgant now fully fit and hoping to get more match minutes behind him.
The Royals have a reasonable recent record against Wolves. Although we lost 0-2 away from home last season, we were 2-1 winners at home in March 2017 with Kermorgant and McShane scoring the vital goals. Reading have won 5 out of the last 10 meetings between the sides and Wolves have won just two of those fixtures - both at their place. You have to go back over 12 years to find Wolves last win at Reading - a disappointing afternoon that effectively ended our play-off chances with a game of the season left to play. That match is well back in history and Reading will be hoping to continue their recent league form and their form at the Madejski Stadium against Wolves.
| DATE | COMPETITION | OPPOSITION | SCORE | REPORT |
| 04 March 2017 | Championship | Wolves (HOME) | W: 2-1 | Read report... |
| 13 August 2016 | Championship | Wolves (Away) | L: 0-2 | Read report... |
| 06 February 2016 | Championship | Wolves (HOME) | D: 0-0 | Read report... |
| 26 December 2015 | Championship | Wolves (Away) | L: 0-1 | Read report... |
| 07 February 2015 | Championship | Wolves (Away) | W: 2-1 | Read report... |
| 28 September 2014 | Championship | Wolves (HOME) | D: 3-3 | Read report... |
| 27 January 2009 | Championship | Wolves (HOME) | W: 1-0 | Read report... |
| 30 September 2008 | Championship | Wolves (Away) | W: 3-0 | Read report... |
| 18 March 2006 | Championship | Wolves (HOME) | D: 1-1 | Read report... |
| 26 December 2005 | Championship | Wolves (Away) | W: 2-0 | Read report... |
| 30 April 2005 | Championship | Wolves (HOME) | L: 1-2 | Read report... |
| 04 December 2004 | Championship | Wolves (Away) | L: 1-4 | Read report... |
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