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Reading v Rotherham
League Championship
Tuesday 4th November 2014, KO 8PM
Madejski Stadium
Referee: Patrick Miller
Reading (15th)
Form (all comps): LWLLL
Blackburn v Reading: 3-1
Reading v Blackpool: 3-0
Bournemouth v Reading: 3-0
Reading v Derby: 0-3
Brentford v Reading: 3-1
Reading travelled to Blackburn on Saturday in search of back to back wins to help make their poor recent form nothing but a distant memory but it wasn’t to be as the Royals went down 3-1 to a strong Rovers side. Two goals from Rudy Gestede and a well taken free kick from Ben Marshall were enough to see off a Reading side who had levelled through Glenn Murray. It was a familiar feeling for Reading who have now only beaten Blackpool in their last 9 games. Pressure will no doubt ramp up on Nigel Adkins and Tuesday’s home game against Rotherham, a team that sit below them in the table, will be a must win. The manager will be boosted by the return to action of Danny Williams who came on with 14 minutes to play against Blackburn. Anton Ferdinand was an unused substitute against Rovers and will strengthen a back line that has struggled to cope with the rigours of the Championship so far this season. With other more experienced players closing in on their returns from injury the manager will be hoping this will help his side string together some good results to help alleviate the pressure on him and his squad after a disappointing start to the season.
Rotherham (17th)
Form (all comps): LDDWD
Rotherham v Middlesbrough: 0-3
Brighton v Rotherham: 1-1
Rotherham v Fulham: 3-3
Rotherham v Leeds: 2-1
Norwich v Rotherham: 1-1
Rotherham come into this one following a disappointing 3-0 home defeat to high-flying Middlesbrough at New York Stadium which means they have 2 wins in 9 games, a marginally better record than their hosts in terms of wins. However in the last 9 games Rotherham have taken 10 points, double the amount Reading meaning they are harder to beat than the Royals at the moment. The Millers have taken just 3 points from their last 5 Championship away games which will give Reading hope they can get something from this game. A win for the Millers who are in 17th place would see them leap-frog Reading in 15th place in the table.
Last five meetings
15 Mar 2005 Rotherham v Reading L 1-0 League Championship
21 Aug 2004 Reading v Rotherham W 1-0 League Championship
07 Feb 2004 Rotherham v Reading L 5-1 League Division 1
25 Aug 2003 Reading v Rotherham D 0-0 League Division 1
22 Feb 2003 Reading v Rotherham W 3-0 League Division 1
Head-to-Head
In 29 meetings it is Reading that have the better record winning 17 times to Rotherham’s 9 with 13 games ending in a draw. The last match between these two teams was in the Championship in 2005 when Reading lost 1-0 at Millmoor Stadium but the Royals won the reverse fixture that season 1-0 at Madejski Stadium. That win was the fourth in the last 10 fixtures against Rotherham and the Royals have only lost twice in that period.
Team News
Reading: Nigel Adkins could hand Anton Ferdinand a home debut after the defender was named amongst the substitutes against Blackburn on Saturday. Michael Hector will return from a suspension that saw him sit out Saturday’s game after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season against Blackpool a week previously and he will replace Jake Cooper who started in his place against Blackburn. Danny Williams came on as a 76th minute substitute on Saturday as he returns from a long term knee injury and could be involved against the Millers. Garath McCleary is waiting for the all clear to make his return to action following a scan, the results from which should be returned early this week.
Rotherham: Joe Skarz will be available after missing Saturday’s game through suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season against Brighton. Jordan Bowery will be available for the game after the FA rescinded his red card against Middlesbrough on Saturday.. Steve Evans will be hoping to have top scorer Alex Revell available after he picked up an injury on Saturday.
Prediction: Reading 2-2 Rotherham