The Tilehurst End - Reading FC 1-3 Sheffield United: Full CoverageReading FC blog run by fans, for fans.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52568/tte_fav.png2018-03-02T09:33:51+00:00http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/rss/stream/168154452018-03-02T09:33:51+00:002018-03-02T09:33:51+00:005 Things To Chew Over From Sheffield United Loss
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<img alt="Reading v Sheffield United - Sky Bet Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nPlqrlSXJWr2CryUFzLLkNr05v0=/0x0:3326x2217/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58875895/925087232.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The key issues from the Royals’ 16th loss of the season.</p> <h2 id="vOoglM"><strong>Missed opportunity</strong></h2>
<p id="HTVfus">In Sheffield United’s previous fixture, they lost to former manager Nigel Adkins’ fellow relegation battlers Hull City 1-0 and Reading were hoping to follow suit and despite a Sheffield United win being perhaps the fair result on the balance of play, the Royals had a golden opportunity to snatch a draw. With the score at 2-1, Reading were awarded a penalty in the second half, only for Sheffield United’s substitute goalkeeper Simon Moore to save Leandro Bacuna’s spot kick and just one minute later, Billy Sharp added his second goal of the game to make it 3-1 and end any hope of a Royals comeback. </p>
<p id="kbQjdp">However, there was some controversy about the goal as Reading had put the ball out of play after Liam Moore went down injured, only for Sheffield United’s perceived sportsmanlike pass back to Vito Mannone being latched onto by Sharp who finished with ease. While there is certainly an argument of unsportsmanlike conduct to be made, the whole passage of play simply sums up Reading at the moment: missing opportunities, making silly mistakes and being caught out by the opposition. </p>
<h2 id="2pftsD"><strong>Richards impresses again</strong></h2>
<p id="DTWKHp">One of the few bright spots once again for Reading fans was the performance of Omar Richards, with the academy graduate appearing off the bench to score his first home goal for the Royals to give them a fighting chance of getting back into the game before the missed penalty. </p>
<aside id="ASchpA"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Reading FC 1-3 Sheffield United: Player Ratings","url":"https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2018/2/27/17060144/reading-fc-1-3-sheffield-united-player-ratings-efl-championship-liam-kelly-jaap-stam"}]}'></div></aside><p id="lYvZzF">Richards has done a sublime job considering his age when filling in for fellow academy graduate <span>Jordan Obita</span> and has been one of the success stories of the season, following in the footsteps of Liam Kelly who established himself as a first-team regular last year under Jaap Stam. He needs to start against Wolves.</p>
<h2 id="T5AeFR"><strong>One step forward, two steps backwards</strong></h2>
<p id="VpO9ls">As I mentioned last week, the Royals had been putting in better performances since returning from their Spanish training excursion even if they were yet to win a game. However, those draws against Derby and <a href="https://www.inthetopone.com/">Nottingham Forest</a> are now looking even more like missed opportunities for Jaap Stam’s side (Nottingham Forest especially) after running out 3-1 losers on Tuesday. </p>
<p id="l5s96s">It seems as though every time they look to show something positive it is only a small glimpse which is then replaced by bad performances and disappointing losses and it seems that the Sheffield United fixture is yet another example of this.</p>
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<strong>Low </strong><strong>a</strong><strong>ttendance</strong>
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<p id="vFCyP8">6,769 fans turned up for the game on Tuesday and while, admittedly, attendances do nearly always drop for midweek fixtures as opposed to weekend games, but with 730 away fans attending meaning only 6,039 Royals supporters turned up, that is a shockingly low turnout. The attendance marked the lowest that the club has experienced for a league fixture this season but it is perhaps indicative of fan feeling at this time. </p>
<p id="qxRDP8">The frustrations that are shared by most fans about being unable to kick on from last season’s outstanding performances, despite increased investment, do seem to now be shown by attendances to games. Not only are Reading losing but they have been turning in performances which are the very definition of uninspiring for the majority of the season. Who can really blame fans for turning away?</p>
<h2 id="3dXHHt"><strong>League leaders up next</strong></h2>
<p id="qXQX1K">The worst thing about losing the Sheffield United is that Reading are four points off the relegation zone with runaway league leaders <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/football-league-championship/teams/wolverhampton">Wolverhampton</a> Wanderers up next for Jaap Stam’s side. I don’t think it would matter which Championship side that Nuno Esperito Santo’s high-fliers are up against as they would still be favourites to win but off the back of yet another loss for the Royals, there is no question that a Wolves win will be considered as close to a dead certainty and it is very difficult to argue against that. </p>
<p id="uS4vNU">Should results not go in Reading’s favour then a loss to the league leader’s could massively close the gap between them and the relegation zone, causing the pressure on Jaap Stam to heighten even further (if that’s even possible at this point).</p>
<aside id="OxNmz4"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"View From The Town End: Wolverhampton Wanderers","url":"https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2018/3/2/17066266/view-from-town-end-wolverhampton-wanderers-wolves-royals-reading-fc-molineux"}]}'></div></aside>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2018/3/2/17069466/5-things-sheffield-united-home-reading-fc-royals-bladesMatthew Cooper2018-03-01T07:00:02+00:002018-03-01T07:00:02+00:00Stam On Blades Loss: “Everybody Is Disappointed”
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<img alt="Reading v Sheffield United - Sky Bet Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vhFQy2c955uG7kPGrEcqy0y_BIc=/77x0:4444x2911/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58856663/925057550.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>A brutally honest assessment from the gaffer as Reading go down 3-1 losers to high-flyers Sheffield United. </p> <p id="qxWWVQ">Another home game, another defeat which was so disappointing after such a promising performance on Saturday. Sheffield United left the Madejski with a 3-1 victory - Billy Sharp and Mark Duffy scored in the first half, before Omar Richards started a comeback. Leandro Bacuna stepped up to take a penalty for the Royals which was saved by Simon Moore, before Sharp scored his second of the game to take all three points back to Yorkshire.</p>
<p id="Z3XS55">These comments from Jaap Stam come after it is reported he has been <a href="https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2018/2/27/17057796/jaap-stam-on-shortlist-to-be-vitesse-arnhems-new-manager-reading-fc">shortlisted for two clubs in The Netherlands</a>. So, what did Stam have to say after the game? He told the <a href="http://www.readingfc.co.uk">Official Club Website</a>: </p>
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<p id="NzGhU4">“Everybody is disappointed - and they should be.</p>
<p id="y9kl8P">“In the first half we were not aggressive enough, not sharp enough, not brave enough in going forward and playing football in the way we said and how we trained.</p>
<p id="SNTDtV">“We were losing battles and giving the ball away to them which helps them to score their goals. You need to improve - we did that in the second half and our intensity was better when we went forward... we were better on the ball and more aggressive.</p>
<p id="CQHFYw">“We knew what to expect from Sheffield United - you need to match that or being more than that. Then you’ve got the opportunity and the chance to win the game. But against a team like this, if you let them win the battle for the ball then you’ll have a difficult time.</p>
<p id="IkhFze">“We got our goal and they dropped back - we got more control over the game and when we got the penalty, you have to make it 2-2... then it’s a totally different game. We missed it - that can happen, but you should score.”</p>
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<p id="rRyzrX">The third goal for United was disappointing as not only had we just missed a penalty but Reading felt as though the ball should have been given back to them after Liam Moore went down injured. Stam added: </p>
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<p id="J1OYyB">“Conceding a goal like that is disappointing - if it’s still 2-1, even if you’ve just missed a penalty, hopefully you will still get the moment to equalise. At that time, the team you’re playing against are in a different stage than they are at 3-1 - they can be confident and afford to make a mistake when they’re two goals up.</p>
<p id="Dblucu">“We let the ball for for an injured player - they decided to play on. You can say, ‘is that fair enough?’ But as a player you also need to realise that when they have the ball, you need to do everything to defend it or to get it back - and not to be surprised if they don’t.”</p>
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<p id="Zq2gbz">It can only get easier right? Next up is a trip to Molineux to face league leaders <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/football-league-championship/teams/wolverhampton">Wolverhampton</a> Wanderers on Saturday.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2018/3/1/17063884/jaap-stam-sheffield-united-loss-everybody-disappointed-reading-fc-blades-royalssophierfc102018-02-28T07:12:01+00:002018-02-28T07:12:01+00:00Reading 1-3 Sheffield United: Match Report
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<img alt="Reading v Sheffield United - Sky Bet Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PEcRrkN71K15zcW48ENfwSkhJQ0=/121x0:3186x2043/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58845101/925067592.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>It’s just one win in 14 league games for the Royals now, and Olly gives his thoughts on the latest defeat to Sheffield United.</p> <p id="q38c2z">After the encouraging 3-3 draw with Derby at the weekend, many people, such as myself, would have been forgiven for approaching last night’s fixture with Sheffield United with cautious hopefulness, especially considering that Chris Wilder’s side have been in inconsistent form of late and had lost their previous three away games. </p>
<h2 id="35Btby">Bubble burst</h2>
<p id="DpsCHM">What I should have taken into consideration is that not only will Reading always disappoint you, but that two of those defeats on the road for the Blades came against Premier League Leicester City and runaway Championship leaders Wolves. So, unsurprisingly, my optimistic bubble was burst within the opening ten minutes at the Madejski Stadium.</p>
<p id="zKgaIg">Not through a goal (not that it would be long before that happened), but through yet more calamitous defending from Reading’s backline. Both the usually reliable Liam Moore and the not-so-reliable Tiago Ilori made basic errors in possession, allowing Leon Clarke two golden opportunities to find the back of the net. For a man with 15 goals to his name already this season, the 33-year-old should arguably have scored both, and these missed chances should have proven a warning to the Royals. </p>
<p id="BSq5Cx">I’ve said countless times before and I will continue to do so for as long as Jaap Stam is in charge, to play this possession-based style of football, you need to pass the ball with confidence and conviction and be calm whilst in possession of the ball. Reading currently do none of those things, and that’s why they continue to gift the opposition chance after chance. Especially against a side like Sheffield United, who had clearly done their homework on the Royals’ lack of self-belief and thus simply put them under constant pressure whenever they had the ball, you’re always going to be punished.</p>
<p id="QGLqoF">The opening goal came with 11 minutes on the clock as Clarke found far too much space on the left and crossed for Billy Sharp in the middle who was denied by Vito Mannone at first, but made no mistake at the second time of asking. For two players both in their thirties, Clarke and Sharp make quite a strike partnership. </p>
<p id="WGUYBc">The rest of the first half was a largely unentertaining affair, although the visitors continued to control the game with Reading erratic in possession and unable to muster virtually any sort of attacking threat. With Mo Barrow unjustifiably dropped to the bench and Garath McCleary forced off injured after just six minutes, they could not utilise the wings as they have done relatively successfully this season. To his credit, Liam Kelly did make some nice runs out wide, but as a result the Royals then lacked any composure in the middle. We had just six touches in Sheffield United’s box in the first half. </p>
<p id="JK7x9g">If we had been able to make it to half-time just the one goal down, it might not have been that disheartening, but Mark Duffy dashed those hopes in the 44th minute with a rocket of a shot that flew into the top corner, giving Mannone no chance at all. An unstoppable goal yes, but you have to question the fact that both Omar Richards and Leandro Bacuna failed to close the winger down. It’s an issue that has consistently been the case this season, and an even more frustrating one considering that Sheffield United proved throughout the game what a difference a bit of pressure on your opposition can do. </p>
<h2 id="q53RHu">Opportunity to level</h2>
<p id="9ZCyoe">The first fifteen minutes of the second half was Reading’s brightest period of the game in which they came so close to drawing the contest level. Liam Kelly, who had clearly been targeted by Sheffield United and was fouled continuously throughout the game, was brought down 25 yards out. Leandro Bacuna took the resulting free-kick, and his dipping effort forced a good save from the Blades’ substitute goalkeeper Simon Moore (brother of former Reading academy keeper Stuart), but Omar Richards was in the right place at the right time to convert from a tight angle on the rebound. That’s two goals in three games now for the promising full-back, and it was another strike expertly driven into the back of the net. </p>
<p id="yaEx9F">Ten minutes later, and Kelly was fouled again, this time in the penalty box, meaning with an hour on the clock, Reading were given an opportunity to be level in a contest that they were probably luck to still be in. Bacuna was once again the man to take on the dead ball responsibility, but his spot-kick, aimed to the left of the goal, was at the perfect height for Moore to get two hands to and push away to safety. </p>
<p id="D0Px6a">The Royals would be punished for the miss just two minutes later in controversial circumstances. After Liam Moore went down with an injury, Chris Gunter allowed the ball to go out of play, with Sheffield United seemingly launching it back to Mannone upon the restart. But in an act of poor sportsmanship, Billy Sharp accepted the long kick towards the Reading goal as his own, volleying into the back of the net. Reading’s players were understandably furious, with Mannone booked for his protests, but ultimately the debate about whether the goal should have stood or not is largely pointless. Even if it was chalked off, Sheffield United had countless opportunities throughout the game that they should have scored, they deserved the win by a country mile. Clayton Donaldson could even have made it 4-1 late on, but his clipped effort bounced just wide. </p>
<h2 id="MeONbP">Final Thoughts</h2>
<p id="H7dhHb">It leads me on to my final ramblings on what was a hugely disappointing night at the Madejski Stadium (how many times have we said that this season?). Saturday’s encouraging result and performance could have been an opportunity for Reading to kick on and move clear of relegation worries, but last night we just reverted to type. The defence was nervous, the midfield was lacklustre and the attack was virtually non-existent. </p>
<p id="Qml5Ih">Questions will continue to be asked about Jaap Stam’s job after this performance, and rightly so, as the problems highlighted above are in part down to his restricting philosophy that has quite clearly not survived a second season. But the squad are not blameless at all, as the majority of the players out on the pitch put in yet another abject performance. Some lack confidence, some lack motivation, some lack ability. If you’re Pelle Clement, you lack all three. </p>
<p id="SPNlZN">The soundbites from the squad about still believing in Jaap Stam can continue, but I won’t believe them for a second. You do not continue to put in dire performances and record just one win in 14 league games if you are still behind the manager. If the squad really wanted Stam to stay, they would buck up their ideas on the pitch and start putting in performances to proud of consistently. </p>
<p id="Fbo2JO">As it stands, Reading Football Club are sleepwalking towards relegation. A likely defeat away to Wolves on Saturday could push us closer before a hugely vital encounter with Bolton Wanderers next Tuesday. I’m well aware that our issues lie deeper than simply the manager’s position, but letting Stam go and bringing in someone who can give the squad a confidence boost and motivation to start performing will hopefully at least start to solve the horrible mess we currently find ourselves in. </p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2018/2/28/17060238/reading-fc-1-3-sheffield-united-match-report-efl-championship-jaap-stam-madejski-stadiumOlly_Allen2018-02-27T23:55:55+00:002018-02-27T23:55:55+00:00Sheff Utd Defeat Player Ratings: Who Was The Least Crap?
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<img alt="Reading v Sheffield United - Sky Bet Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9pIqaAL7Vnhx2o1vHkjCMBKYQWo=/339x0:3977x2425/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58844211/925068880.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Poor performances all round (mostly) on another shambolic night at the Madejski Stadium. </p> <h2 id="CLvsXN">Vito Mannone: 5</h2>
<p id="P9n2aB">Put under unnecessary pressure by the defence but equally he didn’t look all too comfortable with the ball himself. Did his best to stop the first goal, was given no chance with the second and understandably wasn’t ready to deal with the third. </p>
<h2 id="5kuBOZ">Chris Gunter: 5</h2>
<p id="572p2w">Was beaten perhaps too easily, with a couple of through-balls bypassing him, but especially in the second half Gunter offered somewhat of a threat going forward in his wing-back role. </p>
<h2 id="rsmm8K">Liam Moore: 5</h2>
<p id="UlIURl">It’s hardly surprising that Moore’s confidence has taken a hit when the players around him look so shaky. Still, he still looked to drive Reading forward from the back and put in a couple of strong tackles.</p>
<h2 id="8pI9gx">Tiago Ilori: 4</h2>
<p id="kkvvTC">Far, far too casual when passing the ball around the defence, thus giving Sheffield United a couple of opportunities that they really should have taken. You’ll nearly always get past Tiago, it seems. </p>
<h2 id="LvhdaY">Leandro Bacuna: 4</h2>
<p id="ciPk9U">Struggled to really get going in the middle park, but it was his dipping free-kick that led to Omar Richards’ goal. Failed to convert the penalty too, of course, which wasn’t a terrible effort but was at the perfect height for Simon Moore to save. </p>
<h2 id="wFMO2r">Joey van den Berg: 4</h2>
<p id="q6s4BM">Never afraid to get stuck in to a tackle (meaning he picked up his obligatory yellow card), but was too often a liability like the rest of the defence. </p>
<h2 id="d9PCw0">Liam Kelly: 7</h2>
<p id="c4W86j">After impressing on Saturday, Kelly was the stand-out player once again for Reading tonight, although on this occasion it wasn't that hard. Looked calm and comfortable in possession, making a number of key passes and also winning the penalty. Sheffield United clearly targeted the academy graduate, as he was subject to continuous fouls from the Blades. </p>
<h2 id="DYkKk6">Pelle Clement: 3</h2>
<p id="Jby5ei">A player I really don’t think is made to play Championship football. Or in the cold. Couldn’t put a foot, or pass, right all night. </p>
<h2 id="eBc6GD">Garath McCleary: N/A</h2>
<p id="IIV3U2">The winger lasted just six minutes before being forced off injured. Quelle surprise. </p>
<h2 id="7RiYOC">Chris Martin: 4</h2>
<p id="lzi77I">Suffered from a lack of service, but equally didn’t put in that much effort or try that hard to create opportunities for himself. Spurned a good chance late on.</p>
<h2 id="7kBpR9">Jon Dadi Bodvarsson: 4</h2>
<p id="4HVAjy">See Chris Martin. </p>
<h4 id="pSYMjD">Substitutes</h4>
<h2 id="J1wRUf">Omar Richards: 6</h2>
<p id="uQvU8r">Could be criticised for not closing down Mark Duffy enough to allow the Sheffield United winger to score, but in general it was another fairly promising performance from Richards. Took his first ever Madejski Stadium goal very well from a difficult angle.</p>
<h2 id="U0qW91">George Evans: 5</h2>
<p id="Olokai">Proved a calming influence for the final twenty minutes, preventing Sheffield United from increasing the scoreline further. </p>
<h2 id="mnPxcW">Sam Smith: 5</h2>
<p id="m1J5jz">Was full of running when he came on for the final quarter of an hour, and pressed the visitors’ defence well, but ultimately he could make little impact with the contest already over. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="REzxmN">
<p id="AUtDUQ"><em><strong>Agree with Olly’s ratings? Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and vote for your Man of the Match in the poll below. If you can’t see the poll, </strong></em><a href="http://pollmaker.vote/p/JSDDBM99"><em><strong>click here</strong></em></a><em><strong>. </strong></em></p>
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https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2018/2/27/17060144/reading-fc-1-3-sheffield-united-player-ratings-efl-championship-liam-kelly-jaap-stamOlly_Allen2018-02-27T16:37:15+00:002018-02-27T16:37:15+00:00Scouting Report: Sheffield United (H)
<figure>
<img alt="Norwich City v Sheffield United - Sky Bet Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5TRFD7RHNRFfrhzmeL2ip5EHhBI=/0x0:2852x1901/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58837965/907601384.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The tough games continue with the visit of Sheffield United. Here is the lowdown on the Blades. </p> <h2 id="BLFqCQ"><strong>The manager </strong></h2>
<p id="UJGRXm">Sheffield United’s current manager is Chris Wilder. The 50 year-old has been at the club for the past two and a half seasons having replaced the sacked Nigel Adkins in May 2016. Wilder is hugely popular with the Blades fans having had two spells as a player between 1986-1992 and then from 1998-1999, making a combined total of 105 appearances. He also started his playing career with the Blades which makes him even more popular with the Sheffield United faithful. </p>
<h3 id="Wmwx4x"><strong>Managerial history </strong></h3>
<p id="wMSwPJ">Wilder began his career in management at Alfreton Town. He took over at the club in late October 2001 and was in charge for around 27 weeks. In that period he won four trophies: the Northern Counties (East) League Premier Division, the League Cup, the President’s Cup and the Derbyshire Senior Cup.</p>
<p id="YrSwzY">His next job was with Halifax Town where he managed over 300 games before the club went into liquidation. He then moved down south to become the manager of O****d who at the time were in the Conference (now National League). In his first full season in charge, Wilder would lead the U’s to promotion back to the football league, after they defeated York 3-1 in the Conference play-off final. </p>
<p id="hIqag7">But after managing for three seasons in League Two the former Brighton player resigned with the intention of joining League Two rivals Northampton Town as their manager. Within 48 hours of resigning as O****d manager, Wilder moved to Sixfields to take over as Northampton’s boss. </p>
<p id="bpJf1b">In his first six months in charge of the Cobblers, the former Notts County would successfully lead his side to safety in League Two. Two seasons later Wilder would lead the Northamptonshire club to promotion to the third tier of English football, after winning the League Two title with an impressive 99 points.</p>
<p id="Wz3nlZ">At the end of the 2015/16 season Wilder returned to Sheffield United as manager. With so many managers failing to take Sheffield United back to Championship over the years, the pressure was firmly on the Blades manager. However, it only took just the 2016/17 season to win promotion to the Championship as the South Yorkshire club won the League One title with 100 points. He has done an incredible job this season leading the Blades to an unlikely play-off charge. </p>
<h2 id="xjd3eo"><strong>Style of play </strong></h2>
<p id="UvaMZO">Wilder likes to play attacking football with his team getting on front foot right from the first whistle using a 3-5-2 formation, a similar style to what Chelsea manager Antonio Conte plays. </p>
<p id="zeZ4Kn">Out of the 46 Championship goals that Sheffield United have scored 12 of them have come within the first 20 minutes of the match. This means the first quarter of the game will be key in deciding who comes out on top. </p>
<h2 id="Fk1eD6"><strong>Top goal-scorer </strong></h2>
<p id="6mwKZD">Sheffield United’s current leading goal-scorer is Leon Clarke who has scored 15 goals in 30 Championship appearances, only Matej Vydra (17) has scored more. Along with Billy Sharp, Clarke’s goals have played a crucial role in the Blades’ challenge for the play-offs. </p>
<h2 id="UocdHB"><strong>Club captain and current longest serving player</strong></h2>
<p id="d0Ieta">The Blades’ captain is Billy Sharp who has been at the club since joining from Leeds in July 2015 and brings a wealth of experience having made over 493 career appearances. He has scored 75 goals in 189 appearances for Sheffield United. </p>
<p id="KWKFSG">On the other hand, Sheffield United’s current longest serving player is Chris Basham. The centre-back has been at Bramall Lane since completed a move from Blackpool in July 2014. He has made over 185 appearances and has scored nine goals. Like Sharp, Basham was part of the side that won the League One title and subsequent promotion to the Championship. </p>
<h2 id="H9Jx2W"><strong>Played for both </strong></h2>
<h3 id="qHDtXf"><strong>Billy Sharp </strong></h3>
<p id="ydMh43">During the 2013/14 season Sharp had a short loan spell at the Madejski Stadium. For three months between September 2013 and January 2014, the striker played for the Royals under Nigel Adkins. He scored two goals in 10 appearances. However, due to financial constraints the loan was never extended beyond January. </p>
<p id="rDtiwT">Following the expiry of his loan, Sharp would end up at <a href="https://www.inthetopone.com/">Nottingham Forest</a> and Leeds before completing a return to Bramall Lane where he started his career. </p>
<div id="03s7Rc"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CyO5f7V4Vvc?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<h3 id="QKI0lm"><strong>Stephen Quinn</strong></h3>
<p id="mORzSI">Reading midfielder Stephen Quinn made over 237 appearances for the Blades in a seven year spell between July 2005 and July 2012. In that time he scored 22 goals and got 38 assists to his name. </p>
<p id="RWLkI0">After spending many years in South Yorkshire, Quinn made the short move to Humberside to join Hull where he made 97 appearances and scored five goals for the Tigers. Following the expiry of his contract at Hull Quinn joined Reading on a free transfer in the 2015 summer transfer window. </p>
<div id="9Udg2s"><div data-anthem-component="imageslider:911803"></div></div>
<h2 id="X9MMkR"><strong>Key man </strong></h2>
<p id="ARCTw6">The key man that Reading fans should keep an eye on is David Brooks. At 20 years-old Brooks is one of the best young and upcoming players in the Championship. He has so far scored two goals this season and most recent made his debut for Wales in their friendly against France. </p>
<p id="E3o99H">Furthermore Brooks’ performances have caught the eye of Tottenham who are rumoured to be interested in signing him. In terms of what he brings to the team, Brooks is an accomplished passer of the ball who can pick out a pass with ease. This can seen by the fact that Brooks has an average pass succession rate of 80% which shows just how well he can keep the ball at his feet. </p>
<h2 id="SlKLHZ"><strong>Likely line-up </strong></h2>
<p id="A2TqST">Following Sheffield United’s disappointing defeat to Hull, Chris Wilder could make changes to his side. David Brooks could return having missed the last few weeks with an injury. </p>
<p id="aC1U5k">Here’s how the Blades could line up (3-5-2). </p>
<p id="e80YKY"><em>Jamal Blackman (GK); Richard Stearman, Chris Basham, Jack O’Connell; George Baldock, David Brooks, John Fleck, Ryan Leonard, Enda Stevens; Billy Sharp, Leon Clarke. </em></p>
<p id="FA48iP"> </p>
<p id="m9zyvI"></p>
<p id="HOWQJt"></p>
<p id="1e1W3W"> </p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2018/2/27/17051756/scouting-report-reading-fc-sheffield-united-blades-royals-sky-bet-championship-madejski-stadiumjacks19962018-02-27T08:18:02+00:002018-02-27T08:18:02+00:00The Tilehurst End Prediction League 17/18: Matchday 34
<figure>
<img alt="Norwich City v Sheffield United - Sky Bet Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZJoaLOm6PzOSvBC8m-tiCX6u2XQ=/0x0:3194x2129/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58827951/907535004.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Blades have suffered three successive away defeats, do you think Reading can make that continue?</p> <p id="oCHEQ8">Reading’s 3-3 draw with Derby County at the weekend was not only a pleasant surprise because it was actually an entertaining game for once, but also because the majority of fans had predicted that the Royals would suffer defeat to the high-flying Rams. Indeed, there were just two correct guesses for the points to be shared, but no correct scoreline predictions or predictions of Kasey Palmer to score the first goal of a frantic afternoon. Nonetheless, the updated leaderboard is below. </p>
<p id="qC6RF6">This evening, The Royals play their game in hand over most of the teams around them, coming face to face with Sheffield United, who know a win would see them move into the play-off places. <strong>All you have to do is guess the score of the game and say who you think will score the first goal in the comments below. </strong>A correct score earns two points, a correct result earns one point, as does a correct first goalscorer.</p>
<p id="KjSDuI">To get the ball rolling, I’m going for a 1-0 win to Reading, with Mo Barrow being the first goalscorer.</p>
<p id="gHlptN">Good luck!</p>
<h4 id="M66oit">The current leaderboard:</h4>
<h2 id="6Xtojq"><strong>26 points</strong></h2>
<p id="vsaTLx">ShiplakeAl</p>
<h2 id="UMgFya"><strong>20 points</strong></h2>
<p id="56jXsj">Olly<br>Fylde coast royal</p>
<h2 id="bB2yhr"><strong>15 points</strong></h2>
<p id="oYAgGF">JackRonan</p>
<h2 id="HKQGhO"><strong>14 points</strong></h2>
<p id="gzjZxi">EthanRFC_<br>Glorygerbil</p>
<h2 id="OthPLU"><strong>13 points</strong></h2>
<p id="bOe6JA">Illinois_royal<br>RiskAverse</p>
<h2 id="mFfBBe"><strong>12 points</strong></h2>
<p id="UfZl5r">KildareRoyal</p>
<h2 id="uBnJ2R"><strong>11 points</strong></h2>
<p id="aOyr3f">MickeyTaker</p>
<h2 id="oAEKXF"><strong>10 points</strong></h2>
<p id="3tWhEb">Brum Royal<br>The inspector</p>
<h2 id="8ebTTf"><strong>9 points</strong></h2>
<p id="aTUbCv">Risk_Taker<br>Osborns scoop</p>
<h2 id="BvJhYl"><strong>8 points</strong></h2>
<p id="mOtfBK">Pete1964</p>
<h2 id="syUxmj"><strong>7 points</strong></h2>
<p id="CFMnIo">1.fcl<br>Will Jones</p>
<h2 id="CoUVB2"><strong>6 points</strong></h2>
<p id="J0yyFU">Bacuzzi’s Boys</p>
<h2 id="oyzrsK"><strong>4 points</strong></h2>
<p id="BB3NjL">TheRoyalViking</p>
<h2 id="0BnVm0"><strong>3 points</strong></h2>
<p id="ic9pMd">CharlieRFC<br>James - ReadingAwayDays<br>Blaa1980</p>
<h2 id="R8XBAT"><strong>2 points</strong></h2>
<p id="7QfU0x">The RFC Vlogger<br>Jake RFC<br>Luke Rogers<br>Christian Taylor<br>Robjs54</p>
<h2 id="rg3FeH"><strong>1 point</strong></h2>
<p id="3CmO4u">X210<br>Will Symons<br>Jamie Westcar<br>Football Fan<br>Billal Benassar<br>Ben Hayward<br>Ram Pandariram<br>Harry Crawford<br>ITZ HAZZ<br>Sky Bet Championship<br>Rich Gallagher</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2018/2/27/17055268/prediction-league-17-18-matchday-34-reading-fc-vs-sheffield-united-efl-championshipOlly_Allen2018-02-27T07:00:01+00:002018-02-27T07:00:01+00:00Blades Preview: High-Flyers In Shaky Form
<figure>
<img alt="Sheffield United v Sheffield Wednesday - Sky Bet Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PhZ0TJHMs6GfUylA0uVHOPZemgs=/0x0:4073x2715/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58826395/904323044.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Royals host Blades as Reading look to take advantage of United’s recent wobble. </p> <p id="T99Gma">Well I was certainty wrong that the Derby game would be a tight win for the Royals in my last preview! Reading looked like they both could win or thrown that game away in the blink of an eye! However, against a top four side Reading managed to hold their own and earn a point to stop the rut of a losing streak at home. </p>
<p id="ntq3CY">Now the Royals face another in form side with Sheffield United travelling down to the Madjeski on a cold Tuesday night. Can Reading build on the Derby game and earn a long awaited three points or will the wait for a victory continue? </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Brentford v Reading - Sky Bet Championship" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ALoS_FnjrjdshlX3QtQW8tVDf-Y=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/10301863/847889230.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<h2 id="CzA21g"><strong>Reading</strong></h2>
<h3 id="BCFySa">
<strong>F</strong><strong>orm (all competitions)</strong><strong>:</strong><strong> WLLDD</strong>
</h3>
<p id="FqSLRE">Chris Martin is now eligible to play after being forced to miss the Derby game due to his loan agreement. Yann Kermorgant is still nursing a calf injury so will likely not be risked with Sam Smith potentially keeping his place on the bench. Bödvarsson’s last equaliser on Saturday edges him ahead as Reading’s top goalscorer with nine goals this campaign in all competitions - although Mo Barrow’s goal and impressive performance at the weekend bring him closer to challenging. </p>
<p id="6IcwAF">This is a promising sign to fans after past weeks of limited goals and stand-out performances. Speaking of stand-out performances, Liam Kelly’s 30-yard screamer against Derby has earned him <em>Sky Bet Goal of the Weekend. </em>The Irishman will certainly hope to add to his tally of five goals this campaign against the Blades. John Swift’s return to the side in the 70<sup>th</sup> minute could be a sign that he will be more involved in the game on Tuesday with him replacing Clement in midfield. </p>
<h4 id="YzvxYN">
<strong>Top </strong><strong>goals</strong><strong>corer</strong><strong>:</strong><strong> Jon Dadi Bödvarrson </strong><strong>(</strong><strong>9</strong><strong>, </strong><strong>all competitions)</strong>
</h4>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Sheffield United v Hull City - Sky Bet Championship" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/f1K6HsbMOo8xdMGDB47ywDH9hFY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/10301869/870141270.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<h2 id="RvBdCf"><strong>Sheffield United </strong></h2>
<h3 id="jkLn16">
<strong>F</strong><strong>orm (all competitions)</strong><strong>:</strong><strong> L</strong><strong>LWWL</strong>
</h3>
<p id="c76Y1p">Sheffield United currently eighth in the Championship after an impressive campaign that has seen them push for a play-off place. However, their recent form has seen them slip down the table and allowed rivals to gain a foothold in those coveted six spaces. </p>
<p id="8ozxGo">Despite beating strong sides such as Leeds’s and QPR in February they were thrashed by Wolves at the start of the month and lost to struggling Hull City who have seriously under-performed this season. Former Royal Billy Sharp looks set to lead the line to add to his total of 11 this campaign. A win for the Blades will see them rise as high as fifth if results go their way. </p>
<h4 id="7HtMzA">
<strong>Top </strong><strong>goals</strong><strong>corer</strong><strong>:</strong><strong> Leon Clark </strong><strong>(</strong><strong>15</strong><strong>,</strong><strong> all comp</strong><strong>etition</strong><strong>s</strong><strong>)</strong>
</h4>
<h2 id="o4MK5W"><strong>What do the stats say?</strong></h2>
<ul>
<li id="rXIg2O">These sides both played in the Premier League in the 2006/7 season but have had very few meetings in recent years. The last time they met at the Madejski Stadium was January 26 2013 in a <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/fa-cup">FA Cup</a> match where Reading won 4-0.</li>
<li id="UHod7o">However, since 2007 Sheffield United have won five out of the last nine meetings (one draw, three Reading wins). </li>
<li id="6TARbZ">Reading have not won a game in 28 days since the 3-1 win over Burton Albion on January 30.</li>
<li id="mwhBA6">Mo Barrow’s eight goals and four assists mean this is his most prolific season since starting in English football in 2014.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="ajsXUb"><strong>How can I follow the game?</strong></h2>
<p id="90szUD">Audio coverage is on BBC Radio Berkshire at 104.4, but not available online. Coverage is also available on the EFL iFollow service but no video coverage will be streaming the game. Full match highlights will be available on the app after the game.</p>
<p id="ufH75S">Reading Football Club will post highlights of the game on their respected social media pages and YouTube channel </p>
<p id="c98c7e"><strong>Prediction</strong><strong>:</strong><strong> </strong><strong>Reading 1-2 </strong><strong>Sheffield Unite</strong><strong>d</strong></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2018/2/27/17054568/reading-fc-sheffield-united-match-preview-royals-blades-jaap-stam-chris-wilder-efl-championshipCJ_Ballard72018-02-26T15:00:03+00:002018-02-26T15:00:03+00:00View From The Town End: Sheffield United
<figure>
<img alt="Sheffield United v Hull City - Sky Bet Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8YTBkltrkC4kh2eeMJowglWkwoQ=/0x0:2659x1773/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58815549/870782224.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A tough game awaits Reading on Tuesday night at the Mad Stad as Sheffield United come to town. How do the Blades’ faithful see the game going?</p> <p id="zslT7Y"><em>Thanks to Blades fan Chris Davis-Smith for taking the time to answer our questions about high-flying Sheffield United. You can find him on Twitter </em><a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisDavisSmith?lang=en"><em>@ChrisDavisSmith</em></a> </p>
<h2 id="R9QFTW"><strong>How’s the season gone for Sheffield United so far? </strong></h2>
<p id="ZzOOip">Although we’ve fallen away since Paul Coutts broke his leg, I don’t think many Blades would complain about how this season’s gone. To be in with a chance of reaching the play-offs at this stage of the campaign in our first year back in the Championship shows how well Chris Wilder has done. </p>
<p id="tjQBS5">We just need to try and build some momentum up for the final run-in of fixtures, but as we’ve discovered, if you aren’t at your best you’ll be found out at at this level.</p>
<h2 id="mqZppR"><strong>Do you have any fond memories of ties between the two clubs down the years?</strong></h2>
<p id="0W8GOn">Over the years, Reading have always been a bogey side for us, so apart from beating the Royals earlier this season, I don’t particularly have any fond memories of playing against them.</p>
<h2 id="65IznO"><strong>Any not so fond ones?</strong></h2>
<p id="Ueyh6j">I’ve watched Reading beat the Blades many times over the years, both home and away, but arguably the most painful occasion was when we lost 2-1 at the Madejski in 2005/2006. I’m sure Royals fans will remember this being the year you won the division, whilst we finished as runners-up in the Championship. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Reading v Sheffield United" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RCxDAcsHG_hzDhKBAAQR9uqkzDs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/10296025/55834402.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="xRs3pu"><span>Brynjar Gunnarsson</span> scored a heart breaking late winner on this day, his second of the afternoon, in what was a fiercely competitive game. For me, this result gave Reading the psychological edge over us and inspired them to go on and take the division by storm.</p>
<h2 id="9L0OG2"><strong>Who’s the dangerman that Reading should be looking out for?</strong></h2>
<p id="6dZfAd">Our form collectively has been quite inconsistent of late, but for me, one player in particular has performed week in week out in this period. Even when things aren’t going his way, Mark Duffy has the ability to create something out of nothing, and can pose a threat to anybody. His ability to turn a player or spot a pass nobody else has seen definitely makes him one to watch.</p>
<h2 id="ZzU3OH"><strong>Any weaknesses in this Blades side that Reading should look to exploit?</strong></h2>
<p id="h3T7EY">I think if Reading can exploit our lack of pace defensively, they’ll stand a greater chance of beating us. Although our wing backs are quite fast, down the spine I wouldn’t say we’re blessed with speed, so this is an area the Royals could capitalise on.</p>
<h2 id="1H7dxM"><strong>How do you see the game going, and what will the score be?</strong></h2>
<p id="pKjZHH">I know Reading have drawn a lot of matches lately, and I can see this one being a tight affair. I think Sheffield United’s players will be dying to prove Chris Wilder wrong after he effectively ruled out their chances of finishing in the top six following Friday night’s disappointing loss at Hull. </p>
<p id="sFpOn7">If we’re as poor as we were at the KCOM, Reading will win comfortably. However, I can’t imagine we’ll be that bad for two consecutive games, so I’m hoping the squad responds positively. My prediction is a 2-1 away win.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2018/2/26/17051240/view-from-town-end-sheffield-united-reading-fc-royals-blades-efl-championshipThe Tilehurst End Guest Writer