Reading FC v Middlesbrough FC: Match Preview

Reading FC

Form (all comps): WLWLW

Reading's Stephen Quinn and Matej Vydra (both knee) will be absent on Saturday. Anton Ferdinand is still sidelined (thigh), but the Royals are boosted by the return of Orlando Sa after a three-match ban.

Middlesbrough FC

Form (all comps): WWWWW

Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka has no new injury concerns and will be looking for his side to build on their good form. David Nugent has scored three in his last four games and will likely spearhead boro’s attack again against The Royals.

Lineups From Last Game

Reading: J. Bond, P. McShane, C. Gunter, M. Hector, H. Robson-Kanu, G. McCleary (O. John 82), D. Williams, O. Norwood (J. Cooper 90), J. Obita, N. Blackman, Lucas Piazon (A. Tshibola 71)

Middlesbrough: D. Konstantopoulos, F. Amorebieta, G. Friend, Daniel Ayala, T. Kalas, S. Downing, G. Leadbitter (A. Forshaw 87), A. Adomah (Nsue 77), A. Clayton, D. Nugent, C. Stuani (D. Fabbrini 56)

What The Opposition Think

Last season we only scored 68 league goals at a average of 1.47 per game, this season that's upped to 1.88 and that's after we lost top scorer Patrick Bamford back to parent club Chelsea! The addition of David Nugent and Stuani to go with Kike really means we look like scoring where as last season we had no plan b as such. We have yet to really be hit by any injuries and seem to have good depth in positions this season with our defense especially being very stingey!

Last Five Meetings

10 Jan 2015: Reading 0-0 Middlesbrough (League Championship)

30 Aug 2014: Middlesbrough 0-1 Reading (League Championship)

22 Apr 2014: Reading 2-0 Middlesbrough (League Championship)

29 Dec 2013: Middlesbrough 3-0 Reading (League Championship)

25 Feb 2012: Middlesbrough 0-2 Reading (League Championship)

Head To Head

Reading v Middlesbrough: W:8 D:10 L:9

YouTube History

Prediction

Reading 1-2 Middlesbrough