The Tilehurst End - Reading FC 2-2 MK Dons (4-2 On Pens): Full CoverageReading FC blog run by fans, for fans.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52568/tte_fav.png2016-08-24T08:39:29+01:00http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/rss/stream/123659572016-08-24T08:39:29+01:002016-08-24T08:39:29+01:00MK Dons Ratings: Kelly stood out on a poor night
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<figcaption>Ben Hoskins/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p><a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/8/23/12614284/match-report-reading-fc-2-2-mk-dons-efl-cup-2nd-round-2016-2017">You've read our match report</a>, now here's how Bucks rated the players in their win over MK Dons at the Mad Stad. </p> <h4>Anssi Jaakkola: 7</h4>
<p>Didn't have much to do defensively, bar two high class saves, also saving a Dons penalty.</p>
<h4>Tennai Watson: 6</h4>
<p>A solid enough game for the youngster who looks very much at home at right back. Went very close with a long range hit in the second half, but otherwise didn't do much in the opposition's half.</p>
<h4>Liam Moore: 6</h4>
<p>Calm and composed on his Reading debut. Wasn't put under a lot of pressure defensively, but looked very accomplished on the ball.</p>
<h4>Jake Cooper: 5</h4>
<p>I'm hardly Jake Cooper's biggest fan, but I think the negative attitude he gets from the crowd is rather unfair. He is shaky on the ball, hence some wayward distribution and the backpass that led to MK Dons' penalty. That said, he coped well enough with the visitors' attacking play, limited though it was.</p>
<h4>Jordan Obita: 5</h4>
<p>Quiet night for Obita, whose evening peaked with the winning penalty in the shootout. Tried to get forward, but little impact in the final third.</p>
<h4>Liam Kelly: 6</h4>
<p>Before his injury, he looked like one of the best players on the pitch. Taking up George Evans' role, he was always bright and positive in possession, constantly looking to pick a pass, be it short or long. Also knew when to play the complicated ball and when not to. Set pieces were OK, but nonetheless on the basis of tonight it's clear he'll go far.</p>
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<h2>Reading 2-2 MK Dons: Match Report</h2>
<img src="https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ox4thRFf7n9rg4gBvxsJAMM0oJY=/0x404:1536x1428/709x473/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50500179/14074390_10100340558497572_180319996_o.0.0.jpg"> </a> <span>The Royals defeated their Buckinghamshire opponents to advance to the third round of the EFL Cup.</span>
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<h4>Danzell Gravenberch: 5</h4>
<p>Played much higher up the pitch than you might think, in the Danny Williams role. Added physicality in the middle of the park, but didn't have much of a creative effect.</p>
<h4>Stephen Quinn: 5</h4>
<p>Kept things ticking over nicely in the middle of the park, but should be expected to do more, really, what with being the most experienced of the three midfielders. Nonetheless, it's great to have him back from injury.</p>
<h4>Deniss Rakels: N/A</h4>
<p>Looked sharp down the left wing before coming off injured. Real shame, because it looked like Reading might have found another interesting option to deploy. Is likely to be out for a few weeks.</p>
<h4>Joseph Mendes: 4</h4>
<p>4/10 is perhaps a little harsh for a youngster making his full debut in English football, but I couldn't really give Mendes any higher. His touch was often poor, he struggled to impose himself on the MK Dons backline, and he didn't really manage to threaten. Blew a golden opportunity at the end of normal time, and another in extra time. Looks at his best when challenging for aerial balls, but his play on the floor has to improve.</p>
<h4>Callum Harriott: 7</h4>
<p>Reading's brightest spark in the final third by a mile, although that's not saying a lot. Looked very bright in the opening stages, but faded at the game went on like his teammates did. Two great strikes to bring Reading level then put them in the lead, but otherwise quiet.</p>
<h3><u>Substitutes</u></h3>
<h4>Roy Beerens: 5</h4>
<p>Came on for the injured Deniss Rakels, and didn't make much of an impact at all.</p>
<h4>George Evans: 5</h4>
<p>Replaced Liam Kelly in the midfield, and had a similarly poor amount of influence on the game.</p>
<h4>Danny Williams: 5</h4>
<p>Brought on to replace Danzell Gravenberch in a straight swap, but didn't add anything.</p>
<p><b><i>Who was YOUR man of the match? Vote in our poll at the bottom of the page, and leave your thoughts in the comments section.</i></b></p>
<h4><u>Average Rating: 5.5</u></h4>
<p>Best and worst performances from 2016/2017:</p>
<p>6.7 - Preston North End H (W 1-0)</p>
<p>6.4 - Plymouth Argyle H (W 2-0)</p>
<p>6.1 - Brighton & Hove Albion H (D 2-2)</p>
<p>6.0 - AVERAGE</p>
<p>5.6 - Newcastle United A (L 1-4)</p>
<p>5.5 - MK Dons H (D 2-2)</p>
<p>5.2 - Wolverhampton Wanderers A (L 0-2)</p>
<h4><u>Season's Ratings:</u></h4>
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https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/8/24/12616830/reading-fc-2-2-mk-dons-player-ratings-efl-cup-2016-2017BucksRoyal2016-08-23T22:57:24+01:002016-08-23T22:57:24+01:00Reading 2-2 MK Dons (4-2 On Pens): Match Report
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<p>The Royals defeated their Buckinghamshire opponents to advance to the third round of the EFL Cup.</p> <p>A long night in Berkshire eventually saw Reading progress against stubborn lower league opposition. In a performance that left a lot to be desired, there were familiar deficiencies on display, but to their credit Reading again showed spirit to come from behind.</p>
<p>Jaap Stam elected to use his squad for the competition formerly known as the League Cup; Jordan Obita was the only player from the starting line-up against Brighton to keep his place. That meant debuts for Danzell Gravenberch, Liam Kelly and Liam Moore, with Stephen Quinn captain for the first time.</p>
<p>The game also saw a historic, if rather depressing for some of us, moment in the history of the Madejski Stadium, as the visitors' Oran Jackson became the first ever player to appear in a senior match at our home stadium who was born after it was opened. Feel old?</p>
<h3>First Half</h3>
<p>There was little of action in the opening stages of the game, though Reading did suffer a blow when Deniss Rakels had to be stretched off the pitch.</p>
<p>The game came to life after half an hour when a poor pass back from Jake Cooper was under hit and easily intercepted by Brandon Thomas-Asante who was brought down inside the box by Anssi Jaakkola. Luckily for Reading, Jaakkola was only shown a yellow, but Dean Bowditch was to make any relief short lived as he fired home the resulting penalty.</p>
<h3>Second Half</h3>
<p>Poor Cooper's night didn't get much better in the second half when he collided with Kelly and the debutant became the second home player to leave the pitch on a stretcher.</p>
<p>Reading struggled to create any serious chances and it took their right back Tennai Watson to force Lee Nicholls to make a first meaningful save. That seemed to spark Reading into life and soon after Callum Harriott equalised through a fantastic long range shot.</p>
<p>The Royals went close again when Joseph Mendes had a header cleared off the line. That should have been encouragement for Reading to go get a winner, but they quickly lost any momentum they had.</p>
<p>As we have seen a few times this season Reading were a bit guilty of being too slow in their build up play, which made it easy for the opposition to get men behind the ball. It was ironic then that a rare long ball almost saw a home winner at the end of normal time, when Roy Beerens ran through but his shot was saved.</p>
<p>The Dutch winger went close again in injury time, as did George Evans, but it was Mendes who had the best chance to win the game before the game inevitably went to extra time.</p>
<h3>Extra Time</h3>
<p>The League One team started extra time the stronger team and were unlucky not to retake the lead when Ben Reeves struck the post and from the rebound Ed Upson hit the bar.</p>
<p>With the players tiring the game became more and more stretched. Reading were not helped when the hapless Cooper completed a miserable night by picking up an injury that left him a virtual passenger unable to help his team.</p>
<p>The game finally came to life in the second half of extra time when Harriott scored another good goal. Apparently Tim Dellor loudly and prematurely declared that goal was the winner. Well Tim you did it again, as somehow Reading found time to concede their customary goal from a set piece which Kabongo Tshimanga turned in. And so to penalties.</p>
<p>Danny Williams, Upson and George Evans all scored, before Reeves missed his second penalty in a week. Quinn then slotted home and Jaakkola saved the visitor's third penalty. That gave Harriott the chance to be the hero but he missed. George Williams then delayed Reading winning to no avail, as Jordan Obita scored the winning penalty.</p>
<h3>Closing Thoughts</h3>
<p>Tonight was another reminder for Reading fans for how much work Jaap Stam has to do. This was a laborious performance against a lower league side's reserve team.</p>
<p>Stam will have a long list of concerns following this game. Once again Reading conceded from a set piece. There were some worrying individual performances. There were also potentially serious injuries to Kelly and Rakels, whilst other Reading players showed a worrying lack of fitness.</p>
<p>The pluses for Stam were the performances of Harriott and Jaakkola. Both impressed and showed they will be useful squad players as the season progresses.</p>
<p>Other players did little to suggest they offer anything that academy players couldn't. Have Fosu and Stacey really gone backwards so much that they deserve the big snub of having their squad numbers removed, let alone not to be considered for the bench tonight which meant Reading only had six subs?</p>
<p>On a day when Aston Villa and Newcastle United were rumoured to have bid £5 million for a right back, it is becoming clear that for the first time since Reading moved to the Madejski Stadium, and in Oran Jackson's life, Reading are real underdogs in the second tier. Fans will need to be patient like they had to be tonight.</p>
<p><b>Reading: </b>Jaakkola; Watson, Moore, Cooper, Obita; Kelly (Evans 52); Gravenberch (Williams 75), Quinn; Harriott, Mendes, Rakels (Beerens 21)</p>
<p><b>MK Dons: </b>Nicholls; Williams, Downing, Wotton, Tilney, Jackson (Reeves 45), Upson, Rasulo, Thomas-Asante (Williams), Tshimanga, Bowditch (Carruthers 63)</p>
<p><span><b>Attendance: </b>6,848 (361 away fans)</span></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/8/23/12614284/match-report-reading-fc-2-2-mk-dons-efl-cup-2nd-round-2016-2017WilliamOwain2016-08-23T16:30:51+01:002016-08-23T16:30:51+01:00Bookie Watch: Reading v MK Dons
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<p>Reading host MK Dons at the Madejski Stadium tonight in the EFL Cup and Readingfanman takes a look at the odds available.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">After a solid outing at the weekend for Bookie Watch, <b>winning two recommended bets out of two. </b>We return for the second round of the EFL Cup, with a home tie against the MK Dons. We can be hopeful of another return to the third round of the League Cup, and hopefully a further push, where last year we lost at home to Premier League Everton.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Reading V MK Dons</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" target="_blank" href="https://postimg.org/image/w8ayflo8t/"><img alt="Reading v MK Dons" border="0" src="https://s14.postimg.org/gzl11tukh/Reading_V_MK_Dons.png"></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Click for larger image</i></b></div>
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<h5 style="text-align: center;"><span>1X2 Market</span></h5>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Reading go into the game as undeniable favourites, and are currently priced up at 1.57, this actually gives us a solid edge on the favourites, which is rare. The bookies have us priced at 1.57, however our calculated odds are at 1.52, showing a big 1.9% edge, <b>making Reading to win our first recommended bet of the week</b>. The Draw is available at 4.50, just under out calculated odds at 4.50, and the away win the Dons is at 7.00, slightly under the 7.52 where we would begin to see value on the Dons.</p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span>Correct Score Market</span></h4>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span>After seeing slight value in the 1X2 on Reading, it is unsurprising that we have a small bit of value on the Royals in the correct score market as well, our edge here sits mainly on 2-0 to the home side, which is being price at 8.5, but actual odds are only 7.9 calculated, a 0.8% edge on the bookies, large for a correct score! We also have a smaller edge on 1-0 Reading which is priced at 8.1 but calculated odds sit at 7.9.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">With this in mind, I have checked the Reading to win to Nil market. This is currently available at 2.88, the calculated odds are at 2.68. This gives us a huge 2.6% edge over the bookmakers, and so <b>we are going to make this the second recommended bet of the game.</b></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span>Goals Markets</span></h4>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Unfortunately<span>, the goals markets do not show us any edge in the game against the MK Dons. We cannot show any edge on the goals market, and although BTTS No is worth a small value bet, we are not going to recommend it, due to having recommended it with Reading to win to Nil already.</span></p>
<h5 style="text-align: center;">
<br><span><b>Reading V MK Dons Value Summary:</b></span>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><span><b>Reading Win</b></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><b>2-0 Scoreline</b></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><b>BTTS NO</b></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><b>No Goals Bet</b></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: justify;">NB: Article written on 22nd August. Since then, the odds have shifted dramatically in favour of Reading. Reading are now best priced at 1.44, making them now not value. MK Dons have drifted to 9.3, giving us a much bigger edge than expected on the away side. Our below bets will stand as our recommended bets for today however.</i></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.gambleaware.co.uk">Please Gamble Responsibly.</a></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/8/23/12582608/bookie-watch-mk-dons-h-efl-cupReadingfanman2016-08-23T10:34:00+01:002016-08-23T10:34:00+01:00Key Battles: Reading v MK Dons
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<figcaption>Michael Regan/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Reading play MK Dons in the second round of the EFL cup on Tuesday night, so where will the key battles be played out?</p> <h4>Liam Moore vs Kabongo Tshimanga</h4>
<p>The 18-year-old Englishman made his debut for the Dons in the last round of the EFL Cup against League 2 side Newport. In that game Tshimanga got 80 minutes, and he'll be hoping to continue his development in Berkshire this midweek.</p>
<p>Looking to stop him will likely be Liam Moore, the former Leicester City defender who finally completed his transfer on Saturday after a much drawn out saga. Moore will be looking to knuckle down straight away and impress manager Jaap Stam and the Reading fans.</p>
<p>This will be the perfect game for the centre-back to settle into the Royals team, with not too much pressure to perform to 100% in this competition. MK Dons manager Karl Robinson has said that he will <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" target="_blank" href="http://www.miltonkeynes.co.uk/sport/football/mk-dons/head-to-head-karl-s-kids-to-take-on-the-royals-1-7538451"><u><font color="#0066cc">play his youngsters</font></u></a> tomorrow night, so it will be interesting as to how the Reading players cope with the no-fear factor that Robinson would have drilled into his players.</p>
<h4>Tennai Watson vs Giorgio Rasulo</h4>
<p>Rasulo can play either on the left side or right side of midfield and will be looking cause problems for the Reading defence, and looking at keeping him quiet will be Tennai Watson. The 19-year-old has looked very impressive since breaking into the first team squad this season and the most notable showing came against Plymouth in the last round of the EFL cup, where he put in a very eye-catching display.</p>
<p>Playing the full 90 minutes, as MK Dons beat Newport 3-2 in the last round, Rasuolo only made his debut on the opening day of the season, so this will be fascinating battle, with two raw, talented, and young English players squaring off against each other.</p>
<p>Whoever wins this battle will go a long way into which side progresses into round three of the EFL cup.</p>
<h4>Joseph Mendes vs <span>Scott Wootton</span>
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<p>Joseph Mendes will finally be looking to make his first start for the Royals on Tuesday night, following two successive substitute appearances, keen to to make an impact in this game and give Jaap Stam something to think about. With his height and strength, the Frenchman could be deployed as the lone front-man that Reading will look for in order to win headers and hold the ball up, allowing his teammates to join the attack.</p>
<p>Looking to stop him will be centre-back Scott Wootton, the ex-Manchester United youngster who was signed on a free transfer from Leeds in the summer.</p>
<p>This will be a fascinating battle, mainly due to their height and presence on the field. Mendes is 6ft 1in tall, while Wotton is 6ft 2. Therefore, it will be interesting to see who wins the headers from long balls and crosses.<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/8/23/12585708/reading-fc-mk-dons-efl-cup-key-battles-preview-2016jacks19962016-08-23T10:00:06+01:002016-08-23T10:00:06+01:00The Oppo: MK Dons
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<p>Handbags returns to chronicle a rather limited history between Reading and the MK Dons.</p> <p dir="ltr">Having dispatched the Pilgrims of Plymouth with consummate ease in the EFL Cup First Round, Reading's Second Round opponents are a side with which we have very little history in League 1 Milton Keynes Dons.</p>
<h3>Head-to-Head</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Having only been formed in 2004, after Pete Winkelman's decision to relocate Wimbledon FC to nowhere near Wimbledon, it is unsurprising that competitive fixtures between the two clubs number at just two, both played last season after the Dons were promoted to the Championship for the first time in May 2015. Those fixtures, of course, yielded no goals for Reading despite dominating both matches, yet the Dons came out on top at Stadium:MK in January by a solitary Joe Walsh goal which proved to be in vain as a the franchise finished 23rd in the division and were comfortably relegated, 10 points behind 21st place Rotherham.</p>
<p dir="ltr">There are no cup matches to analyse between the clubs, but suffice to say a similar result to that achieved by MK Dons when they last played a League Cup match against a side managed by a Dutch manager would be welcomed -€” the Dons succumbing 6-0 to Ronald Koeman's Southampton last season thanks to two goals each from Jay Rodriguez, Sadio Mané and Shane Long. By contrast, the defeat to Southampton was entirely at odds with the previous occasion a Dutch-managed side were entertained in Milton Keynes in the League Cup when Louis van Gaal was given a very rude awakening to cup football in England as the Dons thrashed Manchester United 4-0 thanks to two goals each from Will Grigg and Benik Afobe.</p>
<h3>Memorable Match</h3>
<p dir="ltr">The two matches between the two clubs were both thoroughly forgettable affairs, however the goalless draw at the Madejski in August 2015 stands out as marginally the most interesting to me if only because it amounts to the only positive result we have gained against the Dons. The match itself bore very little goalmouth action as Steve Clarke's Royals camped in the Dons' half yet couldn't find the breakthrough. In fact, it was the Dons that came closest to breaking the deadlock as Simon Church hit the post just before half time when it looked easier to score. Dons ‘keeper David Martin saved efforts from Olly Norwood twice, Hal Robson-Kanu, while Orlando Sa searched in vain for his first Royal's goal and had a header ruled out for offside, but 90 minutes toil rendered precious little to write home about. MK Dons defended well throughout and the result left them in the playoff positions on seven points, but the result was put into context by the fact the Dons picked up only 32 points from their remaining 42 matches.</p>
<p dir="ltr">By contrast, just to emphasise the disparity between the Championship Dons and the best team the division has ever seen, in 2005/06 Reading reached 39 points by 1 November.</p>
<h3>They Played For Both Teams</h3>
<p dir="ltr">In the 12 years since the formation of MK Dons there has never been a transfer between the two clubs, however there are a handful of players that have played for both clubs. Perhaps best known to Reading fans is Simon Church who was a product of the Royals Academy and who scored 24 goals in 122 appearances. Church, as is the way with Reading these days, spent plenty of time on loan at various clubs with Crewe Alexandra, Yeovil Town, Wycombe Wanderers and Leyton Orient all giving him game time, but for all of his appearances Church never quite looked the part at Championship level. It was Steve Coppell who gave Church his first appearances for the Royals, coming on as a sub in the FA Cup defeat to Cardiff in 2009 before his full debut in the playoff second leg defeat to Burnley.</p>
<p dir="ltr">His best season in a Royals shirt was his breakthrough year as Brendan Rodgers gave him his first proper crack at first team football, while after him Brian McDermott persisted with Church and a season's perseverance with a raw player was rewarded with 10 league goals in 36 appearances, plus two memorable FA Cup goals against Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion. The manner of the performances Church put in, in tandem with some of the goals he scored against the likes of Sheffield Wednesday and Preston North End suggested there was more to come from a developing player, however a lack of consistency and goals over the next two seasons hindered his chances and, despite being a key member of the playoff and Championship winning squads of 2010-2012 he made no appearances in the futile Premier League battle against relegation, his solitary appearance that season (and ultimately final appearance for Reading) coming in the defeat to Arsenal in the League Cup.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Having said that, Church weighed in with some memorable goals including the late winners in the 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town, as well as the 4-3 wins over Doncaster Rovers and Nottingham Forest. In 2011/12, Church notched twice perhaps most memorably in the 3-0 win over West Ham United on his birthday in December, his feats very much overshadowed by Jimmy Kebe's "sockgate". However, despite the memories, Church failed to make a single Premier League appearance in 2012/13, and was released at the end of his contract having made his final Royals appearance in the 7-5 defeat to Arsenal in the League Cup.</p>
<p dir="ltr">And so it was that the Welshman ended up at The Valley, Charlton, signig a two-year contract with the Addicks. Church made 63 appearances over two season, however the goals failed to materialise with the regular football offered by Chris Powell, just the 10 strikes over his two years, a record that was unlikely to win over the Charlton faithful and the player was released at the end of his contract. Karl Robinson came knocking as a result, and Church signed another two-year contract this time in north Buckinghamshire.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Once again, however, consistency and a lack of goals has hampered his time in Buckinghamshire, as just 13 appearances yielded three goals and the player was loaned to Aberdeen in January as Derek Adams sought to bolster his squad for their gallant bid to usurp Scottish giants Celtic from the top of the Scottish Premier League. A much better return of six goals from 13 games endeared Church to the Scottish Dons' faithful, however it wasn't enough to revive his MK Dons career as he was informed he was free to leave the club this summer after the record signing of Kieron Agard. At the time of writing, Church appears to be on the verge of sealing a deal with Eredivisie club Roda JC Kerkrade to begin a new chapter in his career in Holland.</p>
<h3>Grudge Moment</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Leaving aside the mere fact they exist, given the paucity of history for the Dons there is no discernible grudge moment on the pitch between our two clubs. However, cockiness displayed by Dons "fans" at the Madejski last season bordered on the downright ridiculous as chants of "who the f**king hell are you"and "no-one likes us" amongst others echoed from the away end. Millwall they are not, but even Millwall supporters, like supporters of every club in the country, have earned their right to having a chip on their shoulders by virtue of longevity of existence, promotions, relegations, and continuity of support. MK Dons "fans" haven't, and should wind their necks in accordingly. We know they won't of course as they consider themselves the equal of other supporters, as if 12 years of existence earns them that right of status. It really doesn't.</p>
<h3>Fact, Interesting or Otherwise</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Struggling here. It seems downright bizarre that MK Dons matches should be policed by Thames Valley Police, given Milton Keynes is fully 30 miles from the Thames at its nearest point as the crow flies (somewhere near Marlow).</p>
<p dir="ltr">Well I did say I was struggling...!!</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/8/23/12601772/reading-fc-v-mk-dons-historyhandbags_harris2016-08-23T08:52:05+01:002016-08-23T08:52:05+01:00MK Dons Fan On Relegation, Robinson & Priorities
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<p>It's back to the EFL Cup for Reading FC but what can we expect from the MK Dons tonight?</p> <p><i>This week's View From The Town End comes to us from MK Dons fan Matt - <a data-ref-index="4" href="https://twitter.com/TheRealVinnie" target="_blank">@TheRealVinnie</a></i>.</p>
<h4>How is life back in League One?</h4>
<p>Off to good start. Home form has been edgy, but on the road we're 100% successful. We have a very threadbare squad at the moment, with several injuries, illnesses and with signings still to come. But we've got our local rivals Peterborough on the weekend and a win would give the fans and team a big boost!</p>
<h4>You beat us at Stadium MK earllier this year and looked certain to stay up, what happened?</h4>
<p>Our first choice keeper got injured and it seriously affected the team. Our second choice keeper was poor and got himself suspended.</p>
<p>Defensively we were suspect and with several injuries hampering us, we would often give ourselves to much to do early on in games.</p>
<p>Had our first choice keeper (David Martin) not suffered his injury, I think his experience and quality would have been enough to just 'keep' us up, bit that's easy to say in hindsight.</p>
<p>Ultimately we didn't score enough goals or capitalise on mistakes to worry most teams in the league and inevitably deserved to go down.</p>
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<h4>How have you rebuilt this summer?</h4>
<p>This summer the fans have had to be patient, with most of our signings coming in the last week or so. The ageing (and frankly woeful) Anthony Kay has moved on, along with some notable players that disappointed in the championship.</p>
<p>Centre back Kyle Mcfadzean, drew out a lengthy and well publicised tranfer to Burton (and most fans are glad to see the back of him).</p>
<p>However the money was spent on Striker Kieron Agard, who will be tasked with getting the goals to help push us up. Whilst Ed Upson (cm) and Scott Wooton (cb) both on frees, look good additions to the squad so far.</p>
<h4>Are fans still behind Karl Robinson?</h4>
<p>The majority of sensible fans understand the mistakes made by the club last year were collective errors, and that Karl has the best interests of the club at heart.</p>
<p>However there is a small section of fans (myself not included) who believe Karl Robinson is solely to blame for relegation and is perhaps on his last chance, however a derby win on Saturday would go a long way to getting these fans onside.</p>
<h4>Who should Reading fans be wary of tonight?</h4>
<p>Due to various squad issues, expect a VERY young side. Karl practically named an under 21 side in the last round against Newport County and i would expect a similar XI to start on Tuesday.</p>
<p>This doesn't mean that we won't try to win. Young striker Kabongo Tshimanga has been waiting for his opportunity to play for the first time a while and his sheer pace and finishing can punish teams, not to mention attacking midfielder Giorgio Rasulo who was stunning in Pre-Season and has a habit for long range goals. This side managed to perform miracles to beat County 3-2 and lightning could always strike twice!</p>
<h4>How seriously has Robinson treated this competition over the years?</h4>
<p>I don't think Karl has ever taken this trophy seriously. Our squad has always been too thin to play our strongest squad, and our focus has usually been on the league and sometimes the Fa Cup.</p>
<p>However the League cup has given MK Dons some notable memories over the years, including a win over controversial rivals AFC Wimbledon, and the historic demolition of Manchester United 4-0.</p>
<p>Should we progress further, we may be able to field more experienced teams, as a cup run is always good for a club financially, as well as nice for the fans.</p>
<h4>Score prediction?</h4>
<p>If Reading play any kind of experienced team, Reading should walk it. But I hope the youth does themselves justice. Sometimes anything can happen in the cup, but Reading are a good side (far better than Newport at least), so I shall predict a 3-1 home win.</p>
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https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/8/23/12601644/view-from-the-town-end-mk-donsThe Tilehurst End Guest Writer2016-08-23T08:51:37+01:002016-08-23T08:51:37+01:00My Reading team for... MK Dons
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<p>With an EFL second round match-up with MK Dons fast approaching, James shares his thoughts on who he thinks should line up for the Royals tomorrow evening. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>After comfortably seeing off Plymouth Argyle two goals to nil in the first round of the EFL Cup, Milton Keynes Dons will travel to the Madejski Stadium to face the Royals tomorrow evening in the second round. </span></p>
<p>After an impressive display against promotion-chasing Brighton on Saturday afternoon, many are beginning to warm to the ‘total football’ philosophy Jaap Stam is bringing to this Reading side. And with the fixture list beginning to get moderately congested, questions can now be asked whether the rotation players in Jaap’s system can replicate the success of their first round victory.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">With that being said, here are some of my thoughts on who should make the cut and who should be rested for tomorrow evenings match-up against the Dons.</p>
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<h3><span>Between the sticks</span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">Anssi Jaakkola enjoyed a relatively quiet game in the first round, not being significantly troubled by the far-from-threatening Argyle attack, but when called upon, the Finnish stopper duly delivered. One thing that stuck out to me in this Plymouth game is that throughout the 90 minutes, Jaakkola looked assured, receiving the ball and immediately playing it to another outfield player, accurately. A sign perhaps that the former Ajax Cape Town ‘keeper is settling well into Stam’s system.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">With Ali Al-Habsi looking more and more likely he will be the number one ‘keeper this year, it’ll be good to get a look at Jaakkola in the League Cup, a competition where we can afford to test out new players and tactics.</p>
<h3><b><span>The Back Four</span></b></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">With Joey van den Berg now suspended after picking up two yellows in the stalemate against Brighton on Saturday, Jaap Stam will have no choice but to change his starting XI for the first time in 4 games. And with Jake Cooper's inability to consistently pass the ball - as proven in the Plymouth game, the centre-half pairing has pretty much picked itself ahead of the MK Dons clash – Moore and McShane. New signing Liam Moore is expected to make his debut just four days after signing with the Royals, as suggested by Stam's quotes upon the unveiling of our new number 16.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">"He played a couple of games with the Leicester U23s, he's been training as well. So he is fit, hopefully he will play on Tuesday night" - Jaap Stam on Moore's availability.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Tyler Blackett's signing came too late for the left back to be available for the MK Dons match, so once again expect <span>Jordan Obita</span> to start on the left side of the defence along with Tennai Watson on the right. Watson looked incredibly confident and impressed me against Plymouth, a player that looks as if he’s been playing first team football for years. Of course, it was against lesser opposition, so it would be interesting to see him opposing better players and a better team, with all respect to Plymouth.</p>
<h3><b><span>The Middle</span></b></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">I very much expect to see Stam utilise the same, or similar, formation tomorrow evening. The midfield three in this formation have often played pivotal roles in recent success, with John Swift and Danny Williams both putting in superb performances against Brighton. However, I feel Stam needs to rotate the squad a little, especially in the middle as George Evans and Swift have started every single game thus far this season, and fatigue may be starting to creep in. The Madjeski Stadium collectively held their breath when John Swift went down clutching his leg on Saturday, he is a player we simply cannot afford to be without.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Stephen Quinn made a nice little cameo off the bench as he returned to first team football after his lengthy spell on the touchlines, I feel he should be the man to replace Swift to give him a breather. He's a nifty, quick little player that will fit Stam's style nicely. I also expect to see Evans named on the team sheet in his usual position sitting in front of the back four.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Along with these two I would love to see youngster Liam Kelly involved, without John Swift's elegant and accurate set pieces, we possess no real danger from dead-ball situations. This is where Kelly would really offer something. However, it is more likely we will see Williams starting in his usual role ahead of Kelly, patrolling the midfield.</p>
<h3><b><span>The Attack</span></b></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">On Saturday we also saw a glimpse of summer signing Joseph Mendes, not a particularly impressive debut, mind, but then again he was introduced into the game where we clinging onto a draw with ten men, so attention wasn’t on him in that respect.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Yann Kermorgant put in one of his best displays of the season that game, working hard and providing a real threat on the attacking front, he just needs to find his shooting boots. He, like many others, have played a large part in all of Reading’s games this year, starting all but one, and I think now is a good time to rest the Frenchman. Rakels was never really given a chance under Stam, starting the opening game before being dropped to the bench up until now. Why not give him and Mendes a chance?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">On the opposite flank to Mendes, I would like to see Harriott back in the picture. An energetic, busy winger who didn’t particularly provide much quality in the match he started against Plymouth, but his immensely high work rate and ability to close down opposition players is something that Stam is really looking for in his high-pressure system.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><i>Who would you like to see play tomorrow night against MK Dons? Leave us a comment below. </i></span></p>
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https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/8/23/12586700/my-reading-fc-team-for-mk-donsJamesCragg