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My Reading team to face Middlesbrough:
Last week Bucks rightly pointed out that Al-Habsi's recent improvements had kept Jonathan Bond out of the first team picture but how much more do we need to know about Ali's credentials at this stage? I want to know what Bond can do against one of the league's best sides in a real pressure environment at The Riverside.
In front of him and I want this back four to gain as much experience as humanly possible before next season. Is this is four that will lead us back towards the top six? I'm not convinced but the more experience and comfortable they get playing together the more chance we'll get to see their best.
Midfield wise and it's time to unleash January signing George Evans. Like Al-Habsi, I'm really not sure that Williams and Norwood have very much more to prove but I like the idea of Quinn and Evans being a hard working engine room that can free up McCleary and John on either flank.
Up front and while not in great form, I want the best striker at the football club on the pitch and I'm sorry but Simon Cox has offered so, so little and with 34 games without a goal, I think its safe to say his days here are over.
Some things Reading could try on Tuesday
It's time to get back to basics and a 4-4-2. I liked Brian trying something new and going to a diamond but it's limitations were ruthlessly exposed by Birmingham on Saturday and we know 4-4-2 has the potency to work. Two flying wingers, a solid midfield and a little & large partnership worked just fine in 2006, 2011 & 2012 and I don't think football has evolved too far in the past four years.
Like I said, I want to see what the likes of Evans can do, not just for next season but because I think the fans need someone to watch and have an interest in seeing. It's hard to get behind players like Piazon because even when he's doing well (which is a rare sight..) you've got that nagging voice that tells you he won't be here next year.
Anyway that's how I see it but let me know your team below.