Bristol Rovers will be looking to go into their break from League One action on a high when they travel to Reading this weekend ahead of a two-week hiatus from league action amid cup duties.
The Gas are on the road once again for a lunchtime kick-off but admittedly it is one of the shortest trips in the calendar as they head up the M4 to Berkshire on Saturday.
It’s never straightforward with the Royals who seem to be consistently overshadowed by off-field events. However, on the pitch it’s been a solid start to the campaign for Ruben Selles’ side who sit just outside of the play-offs in seventh having started this term without a points deduction as they did last season.
Home form has largely been outstanding for Reading this term with a 1-0 defeat to Leyton Orient in September the only taint on what would otherwise be a 100 per cent record at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. That is, of course, a concern for Rovers who have struggled on the road this term.
For the Gas, this will be a game where they will looking to maintain some form of consistency on the back of three wins in four whereas for the Royals, they will no doubt fancy themselves on home turf.
With all that considered, what can we actually expect from Reading? Bristol Live spoke to the Reading Chronicle’sDigital Reading FC Journalist James Earnshaw to get the lowdown on everything going on in RG2…
How would you assess Reading’s start to the season so far?
From a Reading perspective, it’s been a very good start. Within touching distance of the play-offs with a squad as threadbare as theirs is was always going to be a tall order, but so far so good. Reading are till lacking consistency when it comes to performances, not only game-to-game but half-to-half; the Royals continue to blow hot and cold. When they’re hot, they can take on anyone but when cold, which they have not been too often at home, there are questions.
It always seems that Reading are involved in national headlines for the wrong reasons, what’s the latest re a potential takeover?
A question always difficult to answer. By the time this goes to print the story could have taken yet another twist or turn. At the time of writing, the holding club through which the controversial owner owns the club was served a winding-up petition by the lawyers for unpaid fees, but there is still a glimmer of hope at the end of the tunnel as the club remain in discussions with an as yet unknown party regarding a takeover. It remains to be seen whether the light signifies the end of the tunnel or yet another pair of headlights coming down the tracks.
What is the target for this season given that the Royals aren’t starting this campaign with a points deduction?
I think it depends who you ask but in general there is lots of optimism among supporters for the on-field progress. The squad is incredibly thin, with a 16-year-old now the regular left-back and teenagers filling almost the entirety of the bench, but they continue to take everything in their stride. Avoiding points deductions and injuries, the starting 11 are capable of a top 10 finish. As the games continue to come thick and fast, I think most will accept a season of calm midtable without having to look too far over their shoulder.
Ruben Selles was linked with the Cardiff City job, any chance there could still be an approach?
Until there is a formal announcement from Cardiff on their decision, there is always still a chance. However, it looks unlikely that the Spaniard is currently top of their wanted list and as things stand there are not too many fears of a walkout from the popular figure.
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Who are the Reading players to look out for on Saturday in your opinion?
Very much a sum of their parts, there are not too many who would standout to outsiders from an individual perspective. Young defensive pairing Amadou Mbengue and Tyler Bindon continue to prove that age is just a number in perfectly complementing each other, while the big name continues to be captain Lewis Wing who is capable of hitting the net from any distance. Ben Elliott, Harvey Knibbs and Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan are all capable of pulling rabbits out of hats on any given day, while Sam Smith is a seasoned striker at this level.
What is your predicted line up and how do you see the game going?
Purely down to the lack of bodies in the building, the line-up shouldn’t shock too many of a Reading persuasion. At time of writing, I would have:(4-3-3) Joel Pereira; Michael Craig; Tyler Bindon; Amadou Mbengue; Andre Garcia; Lewis Wing; Harvey Knibbs; Charlie Savage; Adrian Akande; Sam Smith; Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan. As for how the game will go, the Royals remain one of the form teams in the EFL when it comes to home matches and for that reason I will go for a narrow Royals victory. Score: 2-1.