Bristol City FC v Reading FC: Match Preview

Bristol City FC

Form (all comps): DLLWD

Goalkeeper Frank Fielding has apparently been using a translation app to try and help his room-mate striker Joanthan Kodjia settle in and it seems to be working with the young forward registering three goals in his last three games. This included a brace against Birmingham in his sides’ 4-2 defeat to the Blues last weekend and his pace is again likely to be a threat to Reading’s back line this afternoon. Nathan Baker is nursing a back injury that forced him off against Preston in midweek and he will have a late test to assess whether he has recovered in time for this one, with Derrick Williams his likely replacement if not. Wes Burns has recovered from a thigh injury and will be on the bench.

Reading FC

Form (all comps): LWWWD

After his red card in midweek Orlando Sa will sit out the first of his three game ban meaning new signing Paolo Hurtado could be given his chance up front. Anton Ferdinand is in line to return for Reading after sitting out the Derby game while Michael Hector is likely to keep his place in defence. Steve Clarke has spoken this week about Bristol City’s porous defence which has conceded 15 goals in seven Championship matches so far this season. The Royals gaffer said that his side will be ready to meet the challenge should Steve Cotterill decide to tighten up for this one.

Lineups From Last Game

Bristol City: F. Fielding, A. Flint, N. Baker (D. Williams 14), L. Ayling, L. Moore (M. Little 65), K. Smith, M. Pack, J. Bryan, A. Wilbraham, J. Kodjia (K. Agard 87), L. Freeman

Reading: J. Bond, P. McShane, C. Gunter, M. Hector, S. Quinn (H. Robson-Kanu 68), O. Norwood, J. Obita, A. Tshibola (G. McCleary 80), Orlando Sa, N. Blackman, M. Vydra (D. Williams 63)

What The Opposition Think

"Unfortunately the ruthlessness of the Championship has seen us concede goals from individual errors and set pieces which we weren't last season, and we've often found ourselves behind in games, chasing games and unable to pick up the number of points we perhaps deserve."

Last Five Meetings

28 Jan 2012: Reading 1-0 Bristol City (League Championship)

27 Sep 2011: Bristol City 2-3 Reading (League Championship)

26 Dec 2010: Reading 4-1 Bristol City (League Championship)

19 Oct 2010: Bristol City 1-0 Reading (League Championship)

13 Mar 2010: Reading 2-0 Bristol City (League Championship)

Head To Head

Reading v Bristol City: W:34 D:19 L:35

YouTube History

Bristol City 2 - 3 Reading 27-09-2011

Prediction

Bristol City have not won a game at home since their return to English Football’s second tier and I predict that run to be extended today: Bristol City 1-2 Reading