The Tilehurst End - QPR 2-0 Reading FC: Full Match CoverageReading FC blog run by fans, for fans.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52568/tte_fav.png2017-08-06T18:42:48+01:00http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/rss/stream/158653452017-08-06T18:42:48+01:002017-08-06T18:42:48+01:00Stam on Disappointing First Day Defeat
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<img alt="Reading v Fulham - Sky Bet Championship Play Off: Second Leg" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/bG6KdpKylYul74PpKwefjmMULP8=/0x6:3330x2226/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56075555/683865016.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Ben Hoskins/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="JK8uhX">It was a very disappointing start to the 2017/18 season for the Royals with a 2-0 defeat against QPR at Loftus Road.</p>
<p id="TPNf9z">Defending for QPR’s first goal was incredibly poor, not seeming to learn lessons from last season, but the day was made worse when Tiago Ilori was sent off in the second half and conceded a penalty, which Conor Washington converted, to leave the Royals bottom of the table on day one.</p>
<p id="BqYDmV">Stam was disappointed after a difficult afternoon and told the <a href="http://www.readingfc.co.uk">official club website</a>. </p>
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<p id="AI9v30">“We knew QPR’s intention to press us high up the pitch, not giving us any opportunity to play out and create chances – and that’s what they’ve done. And they did it very well.</p>
<p id="8s2u4M">“Credit to them, they deserved the win. They fought for every yard on the pitch, won second balls, but they were also better than us on the ball and they worked well together. We didn’t – and it looked like we weren’t ready for it.</p>
<p id="rCS9I2">“We weren’t sharp enough, not aggressive enough, not good enough on the ball like we normally are. We were up against an opposition who played well, but we were not playing to our high standards.</p>
<p id="9PI7kY">“They created chances and they scored. Even without playing well, we create a couple of good but we didn’t score.</p>
<p id="h3gvN7">“If you don’t play well – then other things don’t go well for you. So it was a difficult afternoon and we definitely need to do a lot better.”</p>
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<p id="8E3rSx">With a lengthy injury list, Stam gave debuts to four new signings and also named three Academy players in the squad – but signings are definitely needed to complete the squad and Stam is fully aware. He added, </p>
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<p id="55hWEX">“We need to look at getting some of the injured players back into the squad as soon as possible and we will keep looking to get extra players in as well. But today’s defeat is not down to that, it’s down to ourselves and how we played.</p>
<p id="c75mEq">“We didn’t play well first half, we gave them a couple of opportunities to score by passing to their men. And yet at 1-0, coming out for the second half, you want to get back into the game. </p>
<p id="c2SoJE">“But the red card and the penalty, you’re 2-0 down and it’s very hard to get back into the game.</p>
<p id="R8IKgL">“I brought Mo Barrow into the game to attack and go forward with his pace and quality, and then going down to ten men he needed to drop in and defend more than he could go forward. So the red card was a turning point.</p>
<p id="9KCesA">“But even at 1-0, we had a big chance to get back level… and we didn’t. It was one of those afternoons when you’re not playing well and that makes it difficult to finish those opportunities.</p>
<p id="DZ5DEh">“We have spoken about how difficult this season is going to be. Everybody knows how we play now, as individuals and as a team. But the play-off final has to be an inspiration to the players. So we really need to step up if we want to at least do the same as last season.”</p>
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<p id="ImMsL4">There is of course a long way to go, and I'll take your minds back to an opening day defeat against Plymouth in the 2005/2006 season, look what happened then. </p>
<p id="vjmlrH">Next up for the Royals is Gillingham at the Madejski Stadium in the Caraboa Cup before Fulham are the first league visitors next Saturday. URZ!</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/8/6/16103656/stam-on-disappointing-open-day-defeatsophierfc102017-08-06T08:34:01+01:002017-08-06T08:34:01+01:00QPR Ratings: Ilori Flops But Böðvarsson Impresses
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<figcaption>Chris Brunskill/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>There were some poor individual performances on display at Loftus Road.</p> <h4>Vito Mannone: 6</h4>
<p>Didn't do much wrong. His distribution could have been better at times. He's a puncher rather than a catcher, though his punches do travel a distance. Pulled off one superb save near the end.</p>
<h4>Chris Gunter: 5</h4>
<p>I can't really pinpoint anything bad that Gunter did. For a centre back he spent too much time in his usual right back position. Was that because he was covering Popa or because he's not a natural centre back? Also, as captain must take some responsibility for the team's collapse after the first goal.</p>
<h4>Liam Moore: 4</h4>
<p>This was the poorest I've seen him play. Seemed rattled by the hapless Ilori beside him. Was caught out of position on more than one occasion. Still looked comfortable on the ball and he's too good not to improve.</p>
<h4>Tiago Ilori: 2</h4>
<p>At times looked super classy on the ball. Defensively though he was woeful. In the first five minutes he carelessly conceded possession which should have resulted in a QPR goal. Was beaten for the first goal and then was at fault for the second too. He looked really nervous and was all over the place. You can have as good a technique as you like, but ultimately as a centre back your first job is to defend.</p>
<p>This was the worst individual performance I've seen from a Reading player since Alex Pearce's infamous game against Cardiff in 2014. On the plus side no Reading player can surely play worse this season. I just hope this doesn't hit his confidence because when he's good he's Premier League good.</p>
<h4>Adrian Popa: 5</h4>
<p>No one can ever fault Popa for a lack of effort. He's not a wingback so it's maybe a bit unfair to be too harsh on him. I'm still not sure what he brings to the team other than his excellent attitude.</p>
<h4>George Evans: 5</h4>
<p>Put Evans in a winning team and he's a good player. However, when the going gets tough, Evans is often found wanting. His style of play is that of a central midfielder who should take games by the neck. I have no qualms seeing him in the team, but this was a game that showed that central midfield is the one area in the team where we lack a player of real quality.</p>
<h4>Liam Kelly: 5</h4>
<p>And one day that player might be Kelly. He was anonymous and apart from some poor set pieces and one lovely through ball to Connor Washington it's hard to remember anything he did. But like so many in the team we all know he's better than he showed here and he is still young.</p>
<h4>Tyler Blackett: 5</h4>
<p>When Blackett plays well you can see why he played for Man Utd's first team. He is not a wing back though. In fact I'm not sure he's even a natural full back, so this was one of those games when he looked out of position.</p>
<h4>John Swift: 5</h4>
<p>Showed some nice touches but was pretty quiet. I don't think you can criticise him for not doing more when so many around him were so off their game.</p>
<h4>Pelle Clement: 5</h4>
<p>As anyone who remembers Dave Kitson's debut will know, you should never judge a player on their first game. Clement was the quietest Reading player on the pitch and it wasn't clear what he was supposed to be bringing to the team. The Championship is a big step up from playing for Ajax-2 in the Dutch second tier. We might need to be patient with him. Lost the ball in the build up to the first goal.</p>
<h4>Jón Daði Böðvarsson: 7</h4>
<p>The one bright spot and if his injury rules him out for upcoming games then I would say without hesitation that that's the worst thing to come out of this game. Think Dave Kitson and Kevin Doyle combined and you get Böðvarsson. He's tall and stronger and quicker than you might expect. He looked good on the ball and every dangerous Reading attack involved him. Only downside was an under hit pass that could have set Barrow up for a one-on-one. Don't expect him to be a goal machine, but if he can get around 10 goals he could be a very useful player to have.</p>
<h3><u>Substitutes</u></h3>
<h4>Modou Barrow: 6</h4>
<p>He's quick, Jimmy Kebe quick. Reading were down to 10 men for most of the time he was on the pitch so it's a bit hard to judge him. Could be exciting to watch.</p>
<h4>Omar Richards: N/A</h4>
<p>The worst possible circumstances to make his senior debut. I hope he gets other chances when the team is not a man down or in crisis mode.</p>
<h4>Joseph Mendes: N/A</h4>
<p>Won a free kick straight away. Arrived too late to make an impact.</p>
<h3><u>Average Rating: 5.0</u></h3>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/8/6/16102022/qpr-2-0-reading-fc-player-ratings-efl-championship-2017-2018WilliamOwain2017-08-05T20:38:38+01:002017-08-05T20:38:38+01:00QPR 2-0 Reading FC: Match Report
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<img alt="Queens Park Rangers v Wigan Athletic - Sky Bet Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gBWCwKaIH2ZNgH4rwt14IPnTcgM=/0x0:2293x1529/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56068775/643514108.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Royals started the season in the worst possible way.</p> <p id="dokO7z">Oh the joy of the first day of the season. The optimism, the sun is shining, an immaculate pitch, the opportunity to see new players and most importantly no previous game to be disappointed about.</p>
<p id="mBmEmq">It doesn’t take too long for reality to bite. There was the quick realisation that the new away kit is actually worse in person than it looks in photos and seeing that once again Reading have managed to get to the end of pre-season with an injury crisis.</p>
<p id="6I3jgV">There was a time when pre-season was supposed to be about building up players fitness. These days Reading seem to take the opposite approach and, despite having all the modern science they could want, as a result had to start the first game with almost a team’s worth of unavailable players. Some injuries are down to bad luck, but when a team has more than five crocked players, questions have to be raised about what they’re doing in training.</p>
<p id="2dWvxV">So Reading entered the season at a disadvantage and with just six subs on the bench. Of those, half had never played a minute of senior football.</p>
<p id="mqeeWZ">Those who started looked like they hadn’t either. QPR began at full pace and Connor Washington should have done better when Tiago Ilori carelessly gave the ball away. Three corners quickly followed before the game had even reached five minutes.</p>
<p id="uRJPP4">From the team sheet you would have expected Reading to be lined up in a 4-3-3 formation and it did look initially like Reading were playing four at the back. George Evans and Liam Kelly sat in front of the defence and new signing Jón Daði Böðvarsson was leading the line, but where the remaining three players were playing was a mystery. </p>
<p id="e1yMAz">Pelle Clement and John Swift were floating all over the pitch, whilst Adrian Popa was dropping very deep for a winger. It always worrying when you can’t work out what formation your team is playing.</p>
<p id="6aryOi">It showed, as QPR started at full throttle and always looked dangerous on the attack. Reading showed the occasional nice touches and did create some half chances themselves, in what was turning out to be an exciting end-to-end game.</p>
<p id="u8Tpsy">On 22 minutes the key moment in the game arrived. Luke Freeman turned Ilori inside out and the Portuguese defender’s teammates went missing. Wingback Pawel Wszolek eventually put a far-post cross over which was headed home by Washington.</p>
<p id="WQWJIq">It was a good goal from Rangers’ perspective, but the Reading defence won’t want to watch it again. Ilori was embarrassed and three or four other players were caught ball watching.</p>
<p id="VMoIWV">The goal signalled a collapse. Clement, Evans, Kelly, Popa and Swift all went missing. Tyler Blackett was having one of those games where he doesn’t look like he knows what position he’s supposed to be playing.</p>
<p id="C5yPW1">Ilori was the worst of all. Normally such a calm, classy defender he turned into a liability. All over the place, weak and giving the impression that the last thing he wanted to do was defend.</p>
<p id="F5PDjt">Rangers should have been out of sight at the break. The game’s standout player Massimo Luongo hit the post with the Reading defence at sixes and sevens.</p>
<p id="6AfOAq">Soon after Washington somehow managed to hit the top tier with a pathetic effort from a one-v-one when he was excellent played in by Kelly. Reading’s Kelly.</p>
<p id="cYKmF8">The Royals were feeble and it started to dawn on me that they were actually supposed to be playing three at the back. Chris Gunter spent more time at right back than centre back. Blackett was too deep to be a wingback and Popa too high.</p>
<p id="QP8VG7">Evans and Kelly were overwhelmed by QPR’s three central midfielders and it was a mystery what Clement was supposed to be bringing to the team. The only man who could held his head high was Böðvarsson who looked a useful player. Tall with a decent pace and strength, but it was his skill on the ball that caught the eye. He could be a useful acquisition.</p>
<p id="n3j81e">If Reading fans hoped half time might change things they were soon disappointed as their defence remained missing. Amazingly though Reading should have drawn level when QPR’s own questionable defence dallied.</p>
<p id="kF7i5T">Modou Barrow, only just on for his debut, stole the ball but Böðvarsson’s pass was too short. Barrow still managed to create a chance and only a smart save from Alex Smithies stopped Böðvarsson getting a debut goal.</p>
<p id="wR6Vrk">Minutes later it was game over. On the counter attack Luongo was virtually allowed to walk into Reading’s six yard box. By the time the hapless Ilori tried to stop the danger it was too late.</p>
<p id="WDwlJV">A shirt pull and the referee ended his torment with a red card and a penalty. Even worse the impressive Böðvarsson was injured in the build up and Washington scored from the spot. After that the game went into testimonial mode.</p>
<p id="mDOmHz">Reading’s feeble performance was certainly concerning. If QPR had taken their chances they could have won by at least four goals.</p>
<p id="m1BT5a">Once again Jaap Stam and his team showed that when the going gets tough they crumble. They have to start learning lessons from last season that sometimes you have to roll up your sleeves and do the dirty work to stay in games.</p>
<p id="ZDK3ZK">Ironically the only player who seemed to try and do that was Jamie Mackie. The former Royals loanee was the only player with Reading connections who realised the value of slowing the pace of the game down by committing niggling fouls and getting into the opposition’s faces. How he took so long to get a yellow card was a mystery and Reading missed an opportunity to use his stupidness to grab a hold of the game.</p>
<p id="VW9ee5">Despite this disheartening afternoon it would be silly to get too worried. This team showed last season that they can quickly bounce back from horror displays. However, if they are to have a good season they need to learn quickly to do it within games.</p>
<p id="xAXeG4"><strong>QPR (3-5-2):</strong> Smithies; Perch, Onuoha, Lynch; Wszolek, Scowen, Luongo, Freeman, Bidwell (Robinson 87); Mackie (N'Gbakoto 83), Washington (Sylla 81). Subs not used: Furlong, Ingram, Borysiuk, Smith.</p>
<p id="NE7ZgX"><strong>Reading (formation unknown):</strong> Mannone; Gunter, Moore, Ilori, Popa, Kelly, Evans, Blackett, Swift (Mendes 82), Clement (Barrow 52), Böðvarsson (Richards 59). Subs not used: Jaakkola, Rinomhota, Smith.</p>
<p id="REAAZk"><strong>Referee:</strong> Scott Duncan</p>
<p id="5IW8JF"><strong>Attendance: </strong>14,460</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/8/5/16102020/qpr-2-0-reading-fc-woeful-royals-lucky-to-avoid-heavy-defeatWilliamOwain2017-08-05T16:58:31+01:002017-08-05T16:58:31+01:00QPR 2-0 Reading: 60 Second Report
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<img alt="Queens Park Rangers v Nottingham Forest - Sky Bet Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pB2WmHbuaQbyLUS2JnBnJE1o--k=/0x0:1329x886/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56067161/674843550.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Harry Hubbard/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>That was pretty bad, pretty darn bad.</p> <p id="UDFYgK">If Wembley was heartbreaking for Reading fans, today’s season opener reminded us that things can quickly get even worse. QPR strolled to a well deserved 2-0 win over a very groggy looking Reading, who have plenty of work to do if they’re to match last season’s efforts. Here’s the key details, with a full report and ratings to follow later this weekend.</p>
<p id="yEcWng">Jaap Stam’s lineup contained three debutants, with goalkeeper Vito Mannone joining Pelle Clement and Jon Dadi Bodvarsson in the starting XI. The toll that injuries had taken on the squad was painfully clear by looking at bench, which not only had six instead of seven names, but included three players yet to make a senior appearance for the club, plus fellow new boy Modou Barrow.</p>
<p id="Qn4BVw">The fear going into this season was that there would be a bit of a play-off hangover and sure enough it was a very sluggish start from Reading, who struggled to get any time on the ball. QPR forced Mannone into a couple of early saves but it looked as if we’d weathered the storm, only for Rangers to take the lead. </p>
<p id="IzLt0t">Pawel Wszolek was given too much time to cross down the right and his teasing cross found an onrushing Conor Washington unmarked six yards out to stick the ball past Mannone. </p>
<p id="cFh1Us">From there, Reading really never recovered. QPR could have easily been two or three up by half-time and while Barrow’s introduction early in the second-half for Clement offered a brief moment of impetus, it was painfully snuffed out on 56 minutes.</p>
<p id="RGzNqZ">Tiago Ilori was the culprit, hauling down Wszolek in the box and earning himself a straight red card. To make things worse, Bodvarsson was injured in the build up, forcing him off. Washington stroked home the pen and that was all she wrote in terms of a competitive contest.</p>
<aside id="xrD94w"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Why I’m Expecting A Play-Off Hangover","url":"https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/7/31/16064734/reading-fc-2017-18-play-off-hangover-opinion-madejski-stadium"}]}'></div></aside><p id="2kseJU">Will will be along later with more detailed analysis but for now the message would be don’t panic. The last two times we won promotion we started the season winless, while <a href="https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/7/31/16064734/reading-fc-2017-18-play-off-hangover-opinion-madejski-stadium">as I wrote earlier this week</a>, hangovers are the norm for beaten play-off finalists. With some luck on the injury front and a couple of signings things can turn round very quickly but at the same time, we might have to get used to some further pain first.</p>
<p id="sZEpXw"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/thetilehurstend">We’ll be live on Facebook just after 6pm (Saturday evening)</a> for the post-game show, so come and share your thoughts with us then, or if you’ve missed that, our TTE Podcast will return on Wednesday.</p>
<p id="JlIdFa"><em><strong>Reading</strong></em><em>: Mannone, Gunter, Moore, Ilori, Evans, Kelly, Popa, Clement (Barrow), Swift (Mendes), Bodvarsson (Richards)</em></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/8/5/16101676/qpr-2-0-reading-fc-60-second-report-loftus-road-efl-championshipWimb2017-08-05T11:13:46+01:002017-08-05T11:13:46+01:00Three To Watch: QPR (A)
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<img alt="Queens Park Rangers v Blackburn Rovers - The Emirates FA Cup Third Round" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JeeS0jOrGfeXRIaMvUq3HUP1HNs=/0x0:2007x1338/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56065667/631151946.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>This man scored against the Royals last season. | Photo by Ker Robertson/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>As Reading face QPR in their opening game of the season, Jack Simpson takes a look at three players from the ‘fake hoops’ to keep an eye on.</p> <h1 id="EcTqHU">Alex Smithies</h1>
<p id="cZNu82">Reading fans will have a front row seat when Alex Smithies defends the goal in front of the travelling supporters. The former Huddersfield goalkeeper kept seven clean sheets in 46 appearances including one against Reading when QPR defeated the Royals 1-0 at the Madejski Stadium. </p>
<p id="kcjYdS">Now this may seem like an awful record particularly, as he conceded 66 goals in total - an average of around 1.43 per game. However it is arguable that Smithies won vital points for his team, just like Ali Al-Habsi for Reading last season.</p>
<p id="dgg01X">This is mainly down his fantastic ability at saving penalties. The 27 year old saved four spot-kicks last season including two in one game, when QPR beat their West London rivals Fulham 2-1 at Craven Cottage. In total, Smithies’ penalty saves earned QPR four points without which Ian Holloway’s side would have been relegated on 49 points, demonstrating his importance to the team.</p>
<p id="AgWDa6">Furthermore, Smithies had an average claim success of 95%, so when Reading put balls into the area from crosses or from corners they’ll need to make sure that they give the 6ft 3in stopper something to think about. </p>
<div id="2v13Yk"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vzatFCYmnrQ?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<h1 id="126oK3">Massimo<strong> </strong>Luongo</h1>
<p id="Rx0yDd">Luongo completed a transfer from S***don Town in July 2015 and plays in either centre midfield or just in front of the back four. He made a decent contribution last season with one goal and three assists in 35 Championship games. </p>
<p id="JBGIAO">The Australian international is known for his ability to break up the play and spearhead attacks for his team, a similar player to the now departed Danny Williams. His defensive play last season for QPR was very impressive as he made 70 clearances, 57 interceptions and five blocks - an average of three defensive actions per game. </p>
<p id="SweG4W">Secondly, for a defensive midfielder Luongo’s 74% pass completion rate was also impressive, demonstrating his ability to keep hold of the ball in tight spaces which then alleviates pressure for his side. </p>
<p id="oZd3Q8">All this, as well as winning 52% of his duels last season, means that the likes of John Swift and Liam Kelly could find it difficult in terms creating chances and supplying balls up to the likes of Jón Dadi Bödvarsson and Joseph Mendes. </p>
<div id="Jc5CGx"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gaPi6dCJn8w?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<h1 id="X17jK8">Pawel Wszolek </h1>
<p id="WZ1IU3">The final player that Reading fans should keep an eye on is Pawel Wszolek. The 25-year-old completed a permanent transfer to QPR in January having spent the first half of the last campaign on loan from Italian side Verona. </p>
<p id="02Ccak">He can play in a number of positions such as the left wing, right wing and as an attacking midfielder. Last season Wszolek scored three goals and got four assists and hit the back of the net against Reading in last season’s Loftus Road meeting. </p>
<p id="eBLJvF">Just like Luongo, Wszolek is an accomplished passer of the ball with a pass completion rate of 77%, but the versatile attacker should also provide an potential threat in attack with a 79% percent shot accuracy. </p>
<p id="OL60cW">This will mean the likes of Jordan Obita or Tyler Blackett will have to do a good job at keeping this talented midfielder quiet, otherwise we could see a repeat of when Wszolek ripped Obita to shreds at the Madejski. </p>
<div id="mWyemG"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UvnjKq3Lo3w?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="eodlnJ"><em>All stats from Squawka and WhoScored.</em></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/8/5/16091264/three-to-watch-qpr-vs-reading-fc-sky-bet-championship-loftus-roadjacks19962017-08-05T08:34:01+01:002017-08-05T08:34:01+01:00The Tilehurst End Prediction League 17/18: Matchday 1
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<img alt="Queens Park Rangers v Swansea City - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/y1HG48w_afepbOguf32Nw9kvZxg=/0x0:5184x3456/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56058601/460951984.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Scott Heavey/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Can Reading get their season off to a winning start?</p> <p id="QgSbKu">So, here we go again. Many will say that the next nine months of Championship football will be unpredictable, but that doesn’t stop us trying to guess the outcome of each and every game. </p>
<p id="cTRRMO">That is exactly the aim of The Tilehurst End Fans Prediction League, which is back for it’s second season. In 2016/17, EthanRFC_ took home the title, making him the man to beat this time around. You can check out the final leaderboard from the last campaign <a href="https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/6/3/15734258/prediction-league-we-have-a-winner-reading-fc">here</a>.</p>
<p id="QnSKNR">If you’ve forgotten the rules, then fear not. All you need to do is <strong>leave your prediction of the score and who will net the game’s first goal in the comments section of this article</strong>. A correct score (1-0, 2-2 etc.) will earn you two points and a correct result (win/loss/draw) will earn you one point. If you guess the game's first goalscorer correctly, you'll get a bonus point too. The person with the most points at the end of the season will win a TTE related prize.</p>
<p id="tbcVzO">Up first is of course a trip to QPR this afternoon, with the last two ‘Hoops Derbies’ played at Loftus Road finishing 1-1. Nonetheless, I’m plumping for a 1-0 win to Reading, with Jon Dadi Bodvarsson to score the first goal. Once again, we are running the Prediction League in conjunction with Reading Away Days over on YouTube, and by watching James’ video below you can find out what hill thinks will happen.</p>
<p id="yYWlJ3">Finally, a quick pointer to our <a href="https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/8/2/16065488/reading-fc-in-2017-18-your-predictions-expectations">full-season predictions article</a>, where you can have your say on who you think will be Reading’s top scorer, dirtiest player and a host of other things including the Royals’ final league position. Go check it out!</p>
<div id="XzYguc"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5WlQdhtsC7A?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/8/5/16098972/prediction-league-2017-18-matchday-1-qpr-vs-readingfc-efl-championshipOlly_AllenHiggy162017-08-03T08:39:19+01:002017-08-03T08:39:19+01:00QPR vs Reading FC: Match Preview
<figure>
<img alt="Swindon Town v Reading - Pre-Season Friendly" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xsKaAAMpmPVF8XX7lKchIHmIPcs=/442x0:7462x4680/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56029277/578735652.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>A new season brings a new set of expectations for Jaap Stam’s Reading.</p> <p id="aIldm5">So here we go again. Three months on from <em>that</em> Wembley heartbreak, we find ourselves facing the prospect of another arduous season of Championship football. </p>
<p id="ue8eRv">Despite May’s disappointment, <a href="https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/8/2/16065488/reading-fc-in-2017-18-your-predictions-expectations">many of you seem optimistic</a> that this time out, we can match, or possibly even better our run to last season’s play-off final. </p>
<p id="MSQwNl">Our first glimpse as to where the squad currently stands will be this Saturday at Loftus Road, as we kick-off our 2017/18 campaign with the blue-and-white hooped derby against Queens Park Rangers.</p>
<h3 id="hZuHxM">Reading FC</h3>
<p id="REWLGR">Form (all comps): -</p>
<p id="O2FOud">Reading of course begin their 2017/18 challenge having lost two central figures from last season’s run to Wembley, with both Danny Williams and Ali Al-Habsi leaving the club. It is therefore understandable that considerable <a href="https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/7/21/15937954/opinion-reading-fc-strong-backbone-weakened-by-departures-danny-williams-ali-al-habsi">uncertainty exists amongst some fans</a> as to how large of an impact this may have on the team’s progress this time out. </p>
<p id="pFkYkT">The transfer window remains open of course, but reinforcements have been few and far between. Vito Mannone and Jon Dadi Bodvarsson should both make their Reading debuts, with the Royals’ only other summer signing Pelle Clement also most likely to be pushing for a place in squad. </p>
<p id="sUWQay">A huge blow will of course be the loss of last season’s talismanic top scorer Yann Kermorgant, who is out of Saturday’s game through injury. Therefore, the pressure will be on Reading’s depleted front line of Jon Dadi Bodvarsson and Joseph Mendes, currently the club’s only two fit and recognised strikers, to fill this void.</p>
<h3 id="wOax8c">Queens Park Rangers</h3>
<p id="0orsTN">Form (all comps): -</p>
<p id="IZzfbi">The honeymoon period that followed the re-appointment of Ian Holloway at Loftus Road, which <a href="https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/1/12/14258362/reading-fc-0-1-qpr-match-report-january-2017">included victory in one of the drabbest and dreariest games of all time</a> at the Madejski in January (played on a Thursday night as well, just to add insult to injury), had very much come to an abrupt end by the climax of the 2016/17 campaign. One win and seven defeats in their last eight meant that their season finished with a whimper and an 18th-placed finish. </p>
<p id="aCOeBd">However, as we all know here, a bottom-half position in one season can become a top-three one in the next, and so to write off the Hoops based solely on their showing last year would be foolish. Yet unlike the Royals in last summer’s transfer window, additions to the QPR squad have been limited, with Barnsley midfielder Josh Scowen being their only first-team signing of the window at the time of writing.</p>
<p id="rs7rNQ">Reading can also take heart from <a href="https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/7/8/15941774/reading-fc-queens-park-rangers-danny-loader-stephen-quinn-jaap-stam">two friendly wins over their London opposition</a> this Summer, as well as an unconvincing pre-season campaign that saw the Shepherd’s Bush outfit win just twice in seven games.</p>
<h3 id="LBqHK7">What do the stats say?</h3>
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<img alt="Queens Park Rangers v Sheffield Wednesday - Sky Bet Championship" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qDQAHkDma3nTq6lrvU_NG0MqBcI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8978839/669412082.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<h4 id="n2O8R4">Both managers can consider themselves strong starters</h4>
<ul><li id="d9TZrl">Ian Holloway has never lost a season-opening game as QPR manager (W3, D2). His touchline counterpart Jaap Stam remains unbeaten in all five of his season openers in English football, as both a player for Man Utd and manager for Reading (W3, D2).</li></ul>
<h4 id="J5oCyu">QPR claim the bragging rights in recent ‘Hoop Derbies’</h4>
<ul><li id="1psMWc">QPR have become somewhat of a bogey team for the Royals in recent years. They have lost just one of their last 10 league encounters against Reading, winning four and drawing five. You have to go back as far as February 2014 to find the sole Royals victory within that sequence.</li></ul>
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<img alt="Queens Park Rangers v Fulham - Sky Bet Championship" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-0Vw8JI2Sti3JVJCuMsfJO5Iv9I=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8978849/632278980.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Jamie Mackie, once a Royal, was the match winner for QPR in January</figcaption>
</figure>
<h4 id="rmGhVe">Away? The Opening Day? Reading usually royally in trouble</h4>
<ul><li id="BwfPUv">Reading have won just one of their last 12 opening day matches on the road (D6, L5), a 2-0 win against Blackpool at Bloomfield Road in 2001. On the team sheet for the Royals that day were the likes of Adie Whitbread, Matt Robinson and Nicky Forster, who also found the net that day. So yeah, it has been quite some time.</li></ul>
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<img alt="Nicky Forster of Reading" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/i428ftj3KvqSMBrLyex1p5CHK5U=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8978943/1013774.jpg">
<cite>Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>The last man to score for Reading on a victorious opening day away fixture...</figcaption>
</figure>
<h3 id="hDZfrP">What about the history?</h3>
<h3 id="5SsxbD">Head to Head</h3>
<p id="EiaKC9"><strong>Reading: </strong>39 </p>
<p id="5VRwNB"><strong>Drawn:</strong> 22</p>
<p id="ANsJ6F"><strong>QPR: </strong>29</p>
<h3 id="0Iu4A2">Last 5 meetings</h3>
<p id="2PGi6s">12 January 2017: Reading 0-1 Queens Park Rangers (EFL Championship)</p>
<p id="hMo3UL">15 October 2016: Queens Park Rangers 1-1 Reading (EFL Championship)</p>
<p id="DYX015">23 April 2016: Queens Park Rangers 1-1 Reading (EFL Championship)</p>
<p id="e9VQhs">3 December 2016: Reading 0-1 Queens Park Rangers (EFL Championship)</p>
<p id="UaeLNI">16 February 2014: Queens Park Rangers 1-3 Reading (EFL Championship)</p>
<h3 id="In5Cnw">Classic meeting</h3>
<h5 id="OZ5sWL">Reading 2-1 QPR, 30 April 2006, Madejski Stadium</h5>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Reading v Queens Park Rangers" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Ng-CYKPzBDoNTurU8GG7HZZAJNo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8959345/57498280.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="fuzz3R">It was party time at the Madejski when QPR arrived in Berkshire at the end of April 2006. With our first-ever Premier League promotion and Championship title already in the bag, all that was left was to try and claim was the all-time second-tier points record.</p>
<p id="VopiGN">Needing a win to overhaul Sunderland’s figure of 105 points, the Royals entered the last ten minutes with the scores at 1-1, with Dave Kitson’s first half tap-in being cancelled out by Paul Furlong’s equaliser in the 72nd minute.</p>
<p id="pCaRlx">Then, in the 84th minute, a penalty. Step up skipper Graeme Murty, the only regular outfield player to have not found the net that season, who slammed the ball into the back of the net with just his second goal in 280 Royals appearances. </p>
<p id="C9df9d">Like a scene out of a Hollywood film, (well ok, maybe not Hollywood, more like a heartwarming British sports comedy à la <em>Wimbledon</em>), the Royals were record holders, an achievement that they still hold to this day.</p>
<h3 id="AXtmr1">How can I follow the game?</h3>
<p id="MXFE9G">For those who subscribe to the new EFL iFollow service, audio commentary of the game will be available from 3pm on the app, as well a full match replay after the game.</p>
<p id="epURRJ">Audio coverage will also be available on BBC Berkshire at 104.4FM, but not online.</p>
<h3 id="8nd4R5">Prediction</h3>
<p id="5mOBAw">An opening day fixture is always a difficult one to call, with so many unknown variables to take into account. Given the cagey nature of season openers and our recent record against QPR, I would have to plump for a <strong>1-1 draw</strong>. Very boring I know, but on week one of the season, and with 45 more of these to come, there’s plenty more time to be sticking my neck out.</p>
<h2 id="Lo0Mze">Do you agree with our prediction? Let us know by taking part in the poll below and by leaving us a comment with your thoughts!</h2>
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