Key Battles: Reading FC v Brentford

Tyler Blackett vs Lasse Vibe

Lasse Vibe was previously linked with a move to Reading back in January 2015 and has gone on to make a decent impact for the Bees since signing from Swedish side IFK Goteborg at the beginning of last season.

In 2015-16, the 29 year old got 14 goals in 41 appearances, whilst this season he has found the net five times in 19 Championship games. This may suggest that the Dane is not having such a good campaign, but make no mistake this is a player that can cause problems and find the back of the net if given time and space. Indeed, Vibe has a history of causing many problems for Reading in the games he's played in.

In the three times he's faced the Royals, he has scored twice and has also bagged two assists. In the 4-1 defeat at Griffin Park earlier in the season, Vibe tore the Reading defence apart with his vision, his goal scoring ability and overall play.

Looking to make sure that a repeat doesn't happen will be Tyler Blackett. The defender arguably produced his best game in a Reading shirt last time out against Barnsley, making some vital interceptions and brilliant blocks to stop the Tykes attackers from getting a goal on the counter attack.

Thought Tyler Blackett was excellent at centre-back today. Made some vital challenges and looked very strong. Top performance. #readingfc pic.twitter.com/QPGRub0Pru

— Talk Reading (@TalkReading) 11 February 2017

Blackett's passing accuracy was impressive as he completed 101 passes against Barnsley more than any other Championship player at the weekend.

If Blackett can repeat his performance from Saturday then it could provide his teammates a much needed boast, as they look to beat Brentford at home for the first time in over 17 years.

Jordan Obita vs Jota

Jota has just returned to Griffin Park having spent the past year at Spanish side SD Eibar on loan. Capable of playing on the right side of a front three or in the number 10 role, the Spaniard has already made an impact for Brentford since returning with two goals in five league games.

Like Vibe, Jota has history against Reading having scored in Brentford's 3-1 win over the Royals in September 2014.
In that season (2014/15), he found the back of the net 11 times in 42 games, which is quite impressive for a player that plays out wide. 

The 25 year old is expected to start when the teams meet tonight and can be a real handful, if he's not dealt with.
Jordan Obita will be the man tasked with making sure Jota doesn't cause too many problems, with the left back helping Reading to keep a clean sheet in his last game so will be looking for a repeat of that come the end of tonight. 

The academy graduate will have to make sure that Jota does not manage to link up with Vibe on any occasion, with the Spaniard being known for terrific ability to play balls in behind and also being able to cause problems with his crossing.

Here's a video of just what Jota is capable of.

Yann Kermorgant vs Harlee Dean

Harlee Dean is the captain of the Bees and is one of the current longest serving players at the club having signed from Southampton in July 2012.

The defender, who was born just down the road in Basingstoke, is one of Brentford's best players with his no nonsense defending and his passion for the Brentford shirt. Dean is a fans' favourite who gives 100% in every game for the team.

The defender can also be lethal from set pieces too if not picked up, as this video demonstrates.

However, the 25 year old has been part of a leaky defence that has conceded 35 goals in the 27 league games in which he has appeared in this season.

Looking to take advantage will be Yann Kermorgant, who scored the last time these two teams met when Brentford beat Reading 4-1 back in September, netting a consolation from the penalty spot.

The Frenchman has been brilliant so far this campaign, with eight goals, however against Barnsley he lacked the service that he thrives on. When Kermorgant does get the service, then nine times out of ten he'll find the back of the net.

If he is supplied by the likes of Garath McCleary and Roy Beerens and delivers when it counts, then this will put Reading in good shape as look for their first win in two games.