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The pressure is on for Paul Clement following a pointless start to the 2018/19 campaign. Harsh defeats to Derby County and Bolton Wanderers as well as a narrow loss at the hands of Nottingham Forest have left the Royals in 23rd place heading into their fourth league game of the season, with Steve McClaren’s dire QPR the only side between ourselves and the foot of the table.
Blackburn Rovers
Form (league): D/D/W
Tony Mowbray is unlikely to deviate far from the side that secured Rovers’ first league win of the season on the weekend against Hull City as his side prepare to welcome Reading to Ewood Park. One possible change could be the return of Danny Graham up top, who would replace Newcastle United loanee Adam Armstrong.
Defender Derrick Williams is likely to miss out with a shin injury, while Jacob Davenport is yet to feature since joining the club on loan from Manchester City due to an ongoing injury problem. Ben Gladwin is the only other injury concern for the hosts.
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Reading
Form (league): L/L/L
Star man Modou Barrow was absent from the matchday squad on Saturday when Bolton came to town and remains doubtful for the trip to Ewood Park, while fellow wingers Sone Aluko, Callum Harriott and Garath McCleary all remain sidelined.
Jordan Obita has begun light training following his lengthy spell on the sidelines but is still some way away from first-team action, while the usually dependable Chris Gunter is also set to miss out.
Paul Clement has promised changes to the starting eleven for this game and there could be a recall on the cards for centre-half Tiago Ilori, who impressed against Derby and in the cup against Birmingham City.
Head to Head
Blackburn: 7
Draw: 8
Reading: 4
Prediction
Tony Mowbray’s side look well drilled and dangerous going forward so far this season and there’s no doubt Rovers will be fighting at the right end of the table this season, just like we saw with Neil Harris’ Millwall last season. The Royals, on the other hand, have stumbled out of the blocks and with a tough test away at Villa Park on the horizon, desperately need a confidence boost. 2-0.