Joe Bryan

The 24-year-old has been at the Robins for the duration of his playing career, having come through the Bristol City academy. Since breaking through into the first team squad, Bryan has become a key man having made over 205 appearances, demonstrating the experience that he brings to the side.

In terms of his playing style, Bryan is the type of defender that likes to get forward and support his side whenever the Robins get forward. For example, Bryan has averaged 1.5 dribbles per game- only Jonathan Leko has averaged more (1.8).

He also contributes well when he gets into the 18-yard box. So far this season, Bryan has scored four goals and has two assists to his name in all competitions.

The left-back, who changed his nationality to Scottish, demonstrated his confidence by producing a fantastic performance in front of the Sky cameras at Ashton Gate when his team beat Manchester United 2-1 in the Carabao Cup quarter-final. A game in which he scored the opening goal.

At the other end of pitch, Bryan loves to get a tackle in. For example, the defender has averaged 3.1 tackles per game- the fifth best in the Championship.

Furthermore this is some way ahead of Tyler Blackett and Chris Gunter who have each averaged 1.3 and 0.9 tackles per match, meaning it could be a tough day for the likes of Sone Aluko on the right side of the pitch.

Jamie Paterson

Jamie Paterson completed a transfer from Nottingham Forest in July 2016 and has gone on to be a key man for Lee Johnson’s team with appearances for the Robins this season.

With Bristol City flying high in the league this season, Paterson has played his part in their remarkable rise with four goals and six assists. It is also worth noting that whilst on loan at Huddersfield in the 2015/16 season, Paterson scored against the Royals in both the home and away games.

In terms of his playing style, Paterson loves to get shots away rather than put crosses into the box. In fact, his 1.3 such deliveries per game is interestingly the best of anyone in the Bristol City squad.

However, with an average of 1.9 shots per game, this is second best behind Bobby Reid (2.2), suggesting that shooting in his real strength.

Additionally, with an average of 2.2 key passes per game, Paterson is likely to be tasked at being Bristol City’s go-to man in terms of providing creativity for the likes of Reid. This means that when Paterson is on the ball, Chris Gunter will need to make sure that the former Walsall man does not cut inside and get shots away on Vito Mannone’s goal.

Lastly Paterson has managed to average 1.4 tackles per game, as well as winning 44% of his duels. So expect him to track back when Reading are on the attack.

Bobby Reid

The final player that Reading fans should keep an eye on is Bobby Reid.

Playing in a No. 10 role behind the striker, Reid has become a real fan favourite at Ashton Gate having also come through the Robins’ academy.

Reid has had a fantastic season for with 11 goals and two assists in all competitions making him Robins’ leading goalscorer and the fifth best in the league. Only Lewis Grabban (12), Leo Bonatini (12) Matej Vydra (13) and Leon Clarke (14) have scored more.

Additionally, according to WhoScored, Reid has contributed to 39% of the 37 goals that Bristol City have scored this season. That is clearly the most of anyone in the Robins’ squad, and further demonstrates his importance for Lee Johnson’s side.

All efforts from the Reading defence should be made at containing this talented player from being able to cause problems and finding the back of the net once again.