Reading FC v Rotherham United: Match Preview

Reading

Form (all comps): WDDLW

Reading boss Brian McDermott has no new injury problems from the weekend Cup win against West Brom. Matej Vydra could start, having shown no ill effects from a hamstring injury after coming on as a substitute. However, Danny Williams (hamstring) is a doubt).

A bit of February cheer was brought to the Madejski Stadium on Saturday as The Royals booked their place in a fourth FA Cup Quarter-Final in seven years. The tie against Crystal Palace in a few weeks time will also be Brian McDermott’s third quarter-final as Reading boss. However, it is back to business in the league on Tuesday night as Reading welcome Rotherham, a side they drew 1-1 with in the reverse fixture in October. Reading are unbeaten in 14 home meetings with Tuesday’s opponents, a record dating back to 1977!

Rotherham United

Form (all comps): LDLLD

Lee Frecklington, Stephen Kelly and Luciano Becchio are all on the sidelines for Rotherham. Richard Wood and Joe Mattock are back in the squad after suspension. Danny Ward faces a late test on the head injury that forced him out of the game against Burnley at the weekend.

Rotherham travel to Madejski Stadium on Tuesday having not registered a goal in their previous six trips to Berkshire. This is coupled with the fact that The Millers are without a win in their last seven away trips, losing six of those. There will be a familiar face on the touchline in the form of Neil Warnock who has taken over the reins of relegation threatened Rotherham until the end of the season. The former QPR, Crystal Palace and Sheffield United manager has already stamped his mark on the squad bringing in Paddy Kenny, Lloyd Doyley and Jerome Thomas to help with their battle against the drop. A draw and a defeat in his first two games in charge have done little to boost the confidence but I am sure Warnock will have his men fired up for this one.

Reading (v West Brom): Ali Al Habsi, P. McShane, C. Gunter, M. Hector, J. Cooper, S. Quinn (Lucas Piazon 90+3), H. Robson-Kanu, O. Norwood, J. Obita, YS. Cox (M. Vydra 59), D. Rakels (O. John 59)

Rotherham (v Burnley): L. Camp, K. Broadfoot, L. Doyley (L. Best 72), G. Halford, F. Richardson, C. Burke (A. Shinnie 46), P. Green, D. Ward (G. Ward 38), R. Smallwood, J. Newell, J. Clarke-Harris.

Last Five Meetings

20 Oct 2015: Rotherham 1-1 Reading (League Championship)

28 Apr 2015: Rotherham 2-1 Reading (League Championship)

04 Nov 2014: Reading 3-0 Rotherham (League Championship)

15 Mar 2005: Rotherham 1-0 Reading (League Championship)

21 Aug 2004: Reading 1-0 Rotherham (League Championship)

Head To Head

Reading v Rotherham: W:18 D:14 L:10

YouTube History

Prediction

Reading 2-0 Rotherham