Fresh from the international break both sides go into Saturday`s game looking to build momentum heading into the next portion of the Championship season. Reading sit 8th in the league table and will be looking to move into the Playoffs in the coming weeks Meanwhile Wanderers are also looking to get past a dotted line on the league table. That line being the one that guards the relegation zone.
As Wanderers fans we`ve spent too much time looking at that line in the last few seasons, even with a result on Saturday it`s likely we`ll be looking at it for a little while longer.
It is becoming increasingly frustrating to fans that Neil Lennon`s record as Whites boss is not up to scratch. With just 3 away wins in the past 12 months, Lennon`s side need a win now more than ever.
However, Neil Lennon is not the only manager who will be in the spotlight. Royals boss Steve Clarke is the subject of intense speculation linking him with a move to fellow Championship club Fulham. Wanderers can hope this will serve as a distraction to the Reading side as they attempt to claw themselves back up to safety. After talks with Fulham, Clarke elected to stay with Reading. In spite of this there must be some concern amongst fans, players and even the board about his commitment to the club. Let`s hope so anyway.
Bolton players might well have something to be distracted about too. Local and national newspapers are reporting that a takeover is imminent at the Macron, with 2 bids on the table. This could provide extra motivation as the both the players and management will be keen to improve the incoming owners.
There will be a buzz amongst the Bolton fans, with Saturday`s game being the first since the takeover news came to light. Eyes will be on the Directors` Box at the Madejski to see if our potential new owners make the trip down South, but the men in black will only have their sights set on picking up 3 points.
Vital Quotes:
‘The speculation about their manager leaving won’t help them, so we have to take advantage of that’ – Neil Lennon
‘On their day they can score a lot of goals’ – Neil Lennon… Remember that one time when they scored 7 against someone? No? Me neither.
Interestingly, Neil Lennon also wanted to show support to our ill Chairman, Phil Gartside, who he said is a ‘very good friend’ and is ‘very close to’.
‘We could be looking at administration down the line’ Lennon on why it’s so important to conclude the takeover deal.
Reading Team News:
Stephen Quinn and Aaron Tshibola are out, whilst captain Paul McShane is a doubt with a groin problem.
Player to watch: Matej Vydra
The obvious man is Nick Blackman with 11 goals in all competitions so far, but I`d also look at Matej Vydra. He`s only scored 1 goal in 6 outings this season, but his goalscoring lead Watford to promotion last season, after almost doing so two seasons prior. He scored 37 goals in total over those 2 seasons showing he knows how to score goals in this league. The fact Reading paid £2million just to take him on loan for a season shows how highly he is thought of.
Bolton Wanderers Team News:
Prince is a doubt after going to Paris late in the week for the birth of his child. Madine might not start due to a rib injury. Clough, Moxey and Wellington are long term injuries.
Player to watch: Ben Amos
We don`t really have anyone to watch? Let`s go with Ben Amos, if we come out of the game with any points, we’ll probably have him to thank for.
Match Facts & Stats
Both sides have three points in the last five with three draws and two losses. Last season both contests between the two sides ended as draws.
Match Prediction:
Reading 2-0 Bolton… Sorry guys.
Next Fixtures:
Next up Bolton take on Brentford at home, the match is on Sky Sports on Monday 31 November.