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Key Battles: Reading FC v Barnsley

The key battles to watch out for as Reading look to get back to winning ways against Barnsley.

By jacks1996
Ben Hoskins/Getty Images

Liam Moore vs Tom Bradshaw

The Welshman, who was linked with Reading over the summer, has made a decent impact for the Tykes following his move from Walsall. Since stepping up to the Championship Bradshaw has scored five goals in 26 appearances for his side, helping his side sit comfortably in the top half of the table.

Last season whilst in League One, he scored 17 goals in 41 appearances for Walsall as they finished in the Play Off places.

Alongside Adam Armstrong, the Tykes' new strike partnership has knocked in 9 league goals this season, looking to replace the 11 from Sam Winnall who was sold to rivals Sheffield Wednesday in the January transfer window.

Since Winnall's departure Barnsley have scored five goals in four Championship matches, with the Tykes failing to score in their last league encounter in a 0-0 draw against Preston.

Looking to continue Barnsley's barren run in front of goal will be Liam Moore - the centre back has only kept two clean sheets since November and will be looking to make sure his defence is well-organised with Paul McShane out injured.

If Moore can contain Bradshaw and keep him from getting shots away in the box, this will shut down one of the main threats in the Barnsley side.

Here's a video of Tom Bradshaw showcasing what he's all about.

Jordan Obita vs Adam Hammill

The 28 year old is a real favourite with the Barnsley fans and the Reading defence will need to be on guard if they are to stop this man from impacting the game.

So far this season Hammill has three goals and one assist, but the winger also has the ability to deliver problematic balls into the penalty area with the Barnsley strikers looking to pounce.

Looking to stop him from causing problems will be Jordan Obita, who scored a rare goal against Ipswich last time out with a 30 yard screamer earning the Royals a point.

However, the left back has struggled against talented wingers, the game against QPR at home springs to mind where Pavel Wszokek gave the full back a torrid time.

Obita will have to do better against Hammill when the sides meet - meaning stopping crosses and preventing the winger from cutting inside. If he can do this, it should boost Reading's chances of getting back to winning ways.

Here's a video of Adam Hammill demonstrating his talents.

Yann Kermorgant vs Angus MacDonald

The centre back who was signed from National League side Torquay in the summer has been a key player for the Tykes, nailing himself down as one of the first choice defenders at centre half.

Since the start of the season, MacDonald has kept nine clean sheets in the 23 Championship games he's played in, conceding 27 goals in the process.

The game against Reading will also be a personal one for MacDonald, as he comes up against the club that released him in 2013 without giving him a chance in the first team.

In a Q&A session through Barnsley's official Twitter account, MacDonald had this to say when asked if he was looking to prove a point against his old side.

However, he will be up against a tough opponent in Yann Kermorgant, the Frenchman has played a big role this season with his hold up play and also scoring eight vital goals.

Kermorgant could be rewarded for this with talks now underway over a new contract.

The striker was also vital in the 2-1 win at Oakwell earlier this season when the Royals went down to ten men, with Kermorgant's defensive ability making the Royals harder to break down.

If the forward can deliver when it matters then this will put Reading in good stead as look to get all three points when the teams meet.

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