After managing not to lose during the international break (yes they weren’t playing but I wouldn’t put it past this lot) Wanderers are back in action on Saturday as they host struggling Reading.
Jimmy Phillips got off to a frankly awful start in his first match as caretaker boss and will need a vast improvement on the showing which resulted in a 6-0 defeat at Bristol City.
They face a Royals side who despite bringing back promotion winning manager Brian McDermott since we last meant, have struggled this season. Their away form is shoddy and if results go the wrong way for them tomorrow, could be dragged into the relegation battle.
Thankfully, the media teams at both clubs have not engaged in any #topbantz ahead of this fixture, like the time when our lot tried it, and then we lost 7-1.
Vital Quotes: The Managers
‘It’s been an interesting couple of weeks, but the players have worked hard on the training ground.
‘My intention is to give some of the younger players a chance before the end of the season, but you need a balance.’
Jimmy Phillips being quite sensible on bringing in young players, speaking in his presser.
Reading Team News:
Michael Hector picked up an injury on international duty so is a doubt, as is Hal Robson-Kanu, who was injured a few weeks ago playing against Cardiff.
Player to watch: Ola John
On loan from Portuguese champions Benfica, a club which has loaned us the likes of Ariza Makukula and Rochinha, John is a very quick, tricky Dutch winger who has scored three in 20 appearances this season.
He’s likely to pop up on the left, which could be carnage if we play Derik out of position at right-back again. Hopefully, we’ll pick Lawrie Wilson there.
Match Facts & Stats
Our last win against Reading came in February 2008. Kevin Nolan and Heidar Helguson scored in a 2-0 win at the Madejski and Gary Cahill made his debut. We stayed up that season. Reading did not.
We have gone 14 games without a clean sheet. Reading have gone 14 away games without a clean sheet. Lump on both teams to score. Responsibly, mind.
The 1995 play-off final. That is all.
Match Prediction:
A 1-1 draw. Reading are poor away from home, neither team can defend, but just cannot see us actually getting the three points.
Next Fixtures:
We head to Brentford on Tuesday, which is a mere bus ride for me, then it’s another away day at Derby County.
Reading host Forest after playing us.