Reading FC v Bristol City FC: Match Preview

Reading FC

Form (all comps): LLWLL

Reading will be without Michael Hector through suspension after his red card against Brentford. Winger Ola John (hamstring) may be absent but Aaron Tshibola (ankle) could return from long-term injury after featuring in a behind closed doors friendly against QPR.

Reading’s last home game of the year ended in defeat as Brian McDermott’s men succumbed 2-1 to a Brentford side they beat comfortably on their own patch back in August. It will come as a frustration to Brian and his men after a promising performance in defeat to Wolves following a solid home victory against Blackburn. The Royals second of two consecutive home games sees them take on Bristol City, a team they also dispatched on the road before the clocks went back. That 2-0 victory at Ashton Gate was one of four Reading have notched in their previous four matches against The Robins and Brian McDermott will be hoping for more of the same this time around.

Bristol City FC

Form (all comps): LDDLW

Kieran Agard hopes to shake off a calf injury after missing the past three games for Bristol City. Joe Bryan, Mark Little and Bobby Reid could be among those to come into the equation as City chase what would be only a second victory in 10 attempts.

Since the teams met in September Bristol City have only managed three wins from their 16 Championship matches. This run of results means they sit in 21st position and in the relegation zone coming into this one. Given their position it is understandable that Steve Cotterill is under pressure but he has been speaking this week about the belief he has in his players despite their position in the table: "They are giving everything for the club and what they are taking is tough. I'm with them all the way and they will always have me backing them, no matter what." It remains to be seen if his side will be able to turn things around but they will come to Madejski Stadium looking to bounce back from a heavy defeat to Burnley in their last match and Cotterill will be sure to have his players fired up as they look to prevent an instant return to League One.

Last Lineups

Reading (v Brentford): J. Bond, P. McShane , C. Gunter, M. Hector, S. Quinn, H. Robson-Kanu (M. Vydra 46), D. Williams, O. John (G. McCleary 46), O. Norwood, N. Blackman, Lucas Piazon (R. Liburd 70).

Bristol City (v Burnley): F. Fielding, A. Flint, N. Baker, L. Ayling, D. Williams, K. Smith, E. Bennett (M. Little 76), M. Pack, A. Wilbraham, J. Kodjia (W. Burns 82), L. Freeman (B. Reid 82).

Last Five Meetings

19 Sep 2015: Bristol City 0-2 Reading (League Championship)

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)

Head To Head

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

YouTube History

Prediction

Reading FC 1-1 Bristol City FC