Bristol City vs Reading FC: Match Preview

Merry Christmas to all Tilehurst End Readers & Reading Fans! Hope you all had a great day yesterday celebrating with family or still drinking to forget that shambolic performance against Burton on Saturday!

2017 has been an eventful year for Reading which has seen us some exciting football which got us to Wembley in May, but has equally been weighed down by some shocking performances! It actually all started against our opponents Bristol City in a thrilling 3-2 win at Ashton Gate. Can Reading get their New Year’s resolution done early by winning away from home or will City’s recent giant killing skills continue to inspire them?

Reading

Form (all competitions): WWDLL

Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images

Jaap Stam could look to change the side after his recent performances with the same eleven have not provided results. Bodvarsson will be pushing for a start due to the fact Kermorgant has yet to score since his injury. The Frenchman was an influential figure against City last season so there is hope that if he is selected then the goals will return.

Garath McClearly was named on the bench for Saturdays game after a considerable absence of 12 games and could make his return in the second half. Roy Beerens and John Swift also seem to be returning back to the side after travelling with the squad last night, with the latter coming on late in the game against Burton.

Top Goal Scorer: Modou Barrow, 7

Bristol City

Form (all competitions): WWWWD

City have completely changed since the last meeting between the sides at Aston Gate with them holding a fourth position and experiencing a mad run of form. Despite losing influential Chelsea Loanee Tammy Abraham, they have found a new goal machine in Bobby Reid who has 11 to his name already. However, City are experiencing a striker injury crisis so could be forced to play Aden Flint up front.

Lee Johnson’s side are playing with confidence so will be a considerable opponent for Reading this afternoon. Look out on Twiiter for their famous (or infamous) video goal celebrations which is becoming quite the trend onf social media.

Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images

Top Goal Scorer: Bobby Reid, 11

What do the stats say?

• Bristol City have ended on the losing side in each of their past three league matches at Ashton Gate against Reading.
• Reading have won seven of their past eight league matches against Bristol City.
• Yann Kermorgant has been involved in five goals in two league starts against Bristol City (four goals, one assist).

Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images

How can I follow the game?

Audio coverage is on BBC Radio Berkshire at 104.4FM, but not available online. Coverage is also available on the EFL iFollow service but no video coverage for streaming the game. Full match highlights will be available on the app and Sky Sports after the game.

Reading Football Club will post highlights of the game on their respected social media pages and YouTube channel.

Prediction

This will be a tough task for Reading, facing this in form Bristol side whose home fans will provide a roaring atmosphere. The Royals’ away form of late has been shocking and the team looks devoid off all confidence at the moment. While City may have an injury crisis, their fit players are taking on the scoring burden whereas Reading seem to pin their hopes on a few individuals.

As a Reading fan, this season has been a mixed bag to watch and I hope in 2018 the team will significantly improve. But this game will either kick on our season or further echo the thoughts of many that something new has to change.

Bristol City win (Would love to be proved wrong! All I want for Christmas is a Yann Kermorgant Hat-trick!)