The Tilehurst End - Preston North End 0-2 Reading: Full CoverageReading FC blog run by fans, for fans.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52568/tte_fav.png2019-12-30T09:00:00+00:00http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/rss/stream/208065732019-12-30T09:00:00+00:002019-12-30T09:00:00+00:00Mark Bowen Delighted With Preston Victory
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<img alt="Preston North End v Reading - Sky Bet Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CTPsb6nIoesTv0bzm9mQr5A6W_E=/0x0:2630x1753/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65992654/1196522792.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The result at Preston was Reading’s third straight win and fourth straight clean sheet. </p> <p id="bpk0Wk">What a way to end 2019 and the decade with a superb 2-0 victory against Preston North End at Deepdale.</p>
<p id="vK4Cal">John Swift scored his second goal in three days and Lucas Joao made it two shortly after to make it a fantastic Christmas. Four clean sheets in a row, we’ve won the last three and are unbeaten in five - a great way to end what has been an interesting year at Reading Football Club.</p>
<p id="O42A3r">Manager Mark Bowen was understandably delighted after the win; he spoke to the <a href="http://www.readingfc.co.uk">official club website</a> and <a href="https://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bowen-reaction-reading-fc-preston-17485709">GetReading</a>.</p>
<h3 id="YlzBzU"><strong>Bowen on the victory</strong></h3>
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<p id="kBH9bu">“The most pleasing thing for me, as an ex-defender, is a fourth straight clean sheet. We came here today against one of the sides with the best home records in the league, and scored two excellent goals. Slick, quick passing - that’s been a theme of the past few games when we’ve been trying to get the likes of Swift, Ovie and Charlie on the ball, which we did.</p>
<p id="TUAFs0">“We took our chances well. And when we spoke at half-time, I said to the lads: there’s no need to go pressing too high up. Be tight, be compact. And no disrespect to Preston, but I felt that if we did that, they would give us the ball back and we could spring our breaks from there - which we did.</p>
<p id="D3eazM">“It may have looked like we were soaking up a lot of pressure, but that’s what’s we spoke about at half-time. We felt comfortable doing that. I knew that if we got our positions right, we could enjoy defending. It worked well for us.</p>
<p id="DhyUrU">“Liam Moore and Michael Morrison were blocking shots, and Rafael pulled off a few excellent saves again. His reflexes for those point-blank saves are excellent. Those clean sheets are so pleasing for me.</p>
<p id="7nKYVc">“There is more than one way to win a game and we have shown over the last few weeks that we can mix when we have to, be compact when we have to, and be expansive when we have to. I’m delighted - it’s been a good Christmas.”</p>
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<h3 id="oxY5VY"><strong>Bowen on whether this was his best win as manager</strong></h3>
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<p id="4P7pgF">“I think so - only because coming out of the game against QPR and the emotion. Maybe 24 hours later I was thinking I wanted to go with the same side but was also thinking was I doing the right thing because you’re looking at the energy of the players.</p>
<p id="FPV8s1">“But it’s paid off, we have to wipe ourselves down now and go ahead to Fulham. The lads are getting more and more confident in everything we are doing and we’re moving up the table and that’s all that matters.”</p>
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<h3 id="Bceeks"><strong>Bowen on end to the year</strong></h3>
<blockquote><p id="H23ecc">“For me it’s about clean sheets as I’m an ex-defender! You get to the last few minutes and I was screaming I want that clean sheet because successful sides are built on that. They deserved it for the work they put in so I am delighted with that.”</p></blockquote>
<h3 id="7vnvPQ"><strong>Bowen on facing Fulham on Wednesday</strong></h3>
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<p id="Ux6GrA">“It’s going to be a difficult afternoon. They are a really accomplished side so it’ll be difficult. We can’t get to far ahead of ourselves and if we know it’s going to be really hard then that focuses the mind a lot better.</p>
<p id="TBcS9s">“Our biggest danger today was our mentality. We had had three clean sheets and two wins so it was easy to say if we had got beaten it was still a good Christmas but that’s not good enough.</p>
<p id="yNgyFW">“We have a lot of catching up to do and we have to push on now and try and get something out of every game we play. If my players are fearing going to Fulham then I am happy with that because we have to be focused and ready.”</p>
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<h3 id="PMgA0y"><strong>Bowen on making changes for Fulham</strong></h3>
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<p id="hd0I02">“I’ve got the opportunity to pick the same starting 11 but whether I will or not depends on a few things because you have to have one eye on the energy of the guys. Most teams around this time are making a lot of changes but we went with the same one. We’ll have to see where we are in a couple of days.</p>
<p id="kdafnp">“Baldock is potentially an option. He’s back in training and hopefully he will be available for Fulham. Puscas was on the training ground yesterday doing some work on his own so he won’t be far away.”</p>
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<h3 id="exFLFV"><strong>Bowen on our second game in three days</strong></h3>
<blockquote><p id="npYyDu">“I wasn’t happy with the first five or 10 minutes - I thought they had too much possession. We were a little bit sloppy but then the goal came from some really slick play. Adam driving through midfield is something I haven’t seen in many a year! I’m pleased with what we put in, it was a professional away performance.”</p></blockquote>
<h3 id="ioye7Z"><strong>Bowen on Tyler Blackett’s assists</strong></h3>
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<p id="IcMpoJ">“Going to a back four, I went with him in the side for more of a physical presence. I just wanted him to sit in there. His confidence is growing game by game and it (the LB position) is a good problem for me to have.</p>
<p id="RgPTuX">“Richards wasn’t even on the bench today bless him and it genuinely breaks my heart because of the work he does. I know he is the future of this club and he’s a really talented left back. But when the team is winning and keeping clean sheets he has to be patient.”</p>
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<h3 id="5tdQYe"><strong>Bowen on being in touching distance of the play-offs</strong></h3>
<blockquote><p id="DLdIhr">“We are getting there and still have a game in hand. It’s narrowing down the distance between us and the top six and we just have to keep going.”</p></blockquote>
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https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/12/30/21041597/mark-bowen-delighted-with-preston-north-end-victory-reading-fc-royalssophierfc102019-12-29T20:38:15+00:002019-12-29T20:38:15+00:00Preston North End 0-2 Reading: A Statement Of Intent
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<img alt="Preston North End v Reading - Sky Bet Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yvwbaDYWpjmihrt6p-8Ml30YDr0=/0x0:2668x1779/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65984106/1190727104.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Kevin Barnes - CameraSport via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Goals from John Swift and Lucas Joao earned the Royals a huge three points at Deepdale. </p> <p id="BTneBl">Ladies and gentleman, that’s the best away performance from Reading in years. Going into that daunting trip to Preston North End - the strongest team at home in the division - many of us were understandably hoping for a solid point with which to end the year. But, come 5pm, we were deserving winners. </p>
<p id="oTKEyS">Reading were excellent from back to front, showing not only the individual ability and touches of class that we all know these players are capable of, but also the spirit, doggedness and organisation that Mark Bowen has done so well to instil since succeeding Jose Gomes a few months ago. And it was Reading’s ability to show both those sides of their game that earned them the three points at Deepdale. </p>
<p id="E8tdbk">The afternoon started off with Bowen naming the same side that beat QPR 1-0 at the Madejski Stadium on Boxing Day. Rafael kept his place in goal, again protected by a back four of Chris Gunter, Michael Morrison, Liam Moore and Tyler Blackett. Pele was deepest in a three-man midfield that also consisted of John Swift and Charlie Adam playing further forwards, with Ovie Ejaria on the left and Yakou Meite out wide. Lucas Joao led the line.</p>
<p id="wikNdy">That was on paper a 4-1-4-1, particularly when Reading were out of possession. But Swift could also push forwards while Adam stayed back, meaning the formation sometimes resembled more of a 4-2-3-1. Considering that Bowen has now used that system twice in consecutive games - and been rewarded for it - it’s probably safe to say that’s his favourite current setup.</p>
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<img alt="Preston North End v Reading - Sky Bet Championship" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pbJ_zGFP948NA31EWj2FXOuKs8k=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19560553/1196512430.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="0boTyS">It didn’t start well though, with Preston having more of the ball than Reading and pushing forwards for an opener, although the closest they came to that was when Brad Potts forced a smart save from Rafael at his near post. </p>
<p id="HqL3i4">With the Royals’ first clear chance though, we made it 1-0. Adam rolled back the years to dance upfield through the middle, pass to Ejaria who played in Blackett - he got in behind the Preston defence down the left before cutting the ball back with a low cross that Swift converted. A wonderful team goal that showed just how much quality Reading have to offer, even in tough away matches like this.</p>
<p id="IrthnA">Not long later it was 2-0. Blackett again was the creator, surging through the middle before playing in Joao who slotted home. The second assist of the afternoon for Blackett, and the fourth goal in six appearances for Joao.</p>
<p id="Q7ow5o">Before this run of form, I’d been unsure about what Joao offered Reading. He’d scored even fewer goals than George Puscas and wasn’t particularly reliable as a target man either, but he’s coming good in both areas at the moment and his performance at Deepdale was no exception. His work rate and hold-up play were again excellent - after a similar display against QPR. </p>
<p id="LmhFWG">Those qualities are so important for this side because, with an accomplished lone striker, they mean Reading can afford to play an extra man in midfield - therefore more freedom for Swift, Ejaria and Adam and more creativity. Credit to Bowen for getting that balance right, although the imminent return of Sam Baldock and Puscas may threaten Joao’s place.</p>
<p id="pd4BJC">Anyway, I digress. Reading were full of confidence at this point and had the home side where they wanted them. Preston had plenty of the ball but didn’t move it around quickly enough, meaning that not only were Reading pretty comfortable at the back, but they also had a few opportunities to break upfield in search of a third. </p>
<p id="QERtCP">Swift, Adam and Ejaria were all key in that, with the first two keeping possession well when needed and moving it forwards purposefully when the opportunity arose. The latter provided more forward thrust, bursting forwards a few times from his position on the left to put Reading on the front foot, including one strong run up the pitch after he’d won the ball back that ended with him firing just over. </p>
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<img alt="Preston North End v Reading - Sky Bet Championship" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PGmEij2Qhs8hMJ4hs4-cEmhHJRk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19560566/1190727116.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Kevin Barnes - CameraSport via Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="EmEs79">Reading thought they had a third around half an hour in when Ejaria struck the post from range, with Joao converting the rebound - but from an offside position. The linesman took his time raising his flag though, and the away end had a few seconds of celebrations before they realised it was still 2-0.</p>
<p id="nwKaAL">After the break, Reading had to show a very different side to their game. Preston had been poor in the first half, but penned the Royals back increasingly as the game went on, and started creating much closer. Rafael kept out a long-range shot bound for the top corner with an acrobatic save and later denied a close-range header, while Morrison put in a well-time challenge in the area before a Preston forward could pull the trigger.</p>
<p id="MIGAOZ">However, despite the home side’s dominance, Reading frustrated them very well with an organised rearguard action that denied Preston too many clear-cut chances. As the half dragged on, the hosts started to run out of ideas, such was Reading’s resolute defence.</p>
<p id="rZXXP6">That included a few rejigs of the setup. Andy Rinomhota again replaced Adam to add more energy to the middle of the pitch and Garath McCleary did the same when he came on for Swift in the number ten role. When Jordan Obita replaced Meite, the 4-1-4-1/4-2-3-1 became a 5-4-1 with Ejaria and McCleary out wide in the four. </p>
<p id="AHLT7d">We all knew that Reading had this performance in them. Really, they’ve had it in them for ages, but <em>actually doing it </em>- let alone away to a team that had previously only lost once at home all season - is another thing entirely.</p>
<p id="CYC0su">Until now, it’s been a case of steady improvement under Bowen. He’s made Reading harder to beat, upped the work rate and kept the attacking flair, but now all those elements are starting to come together into something really special. After the QPR game I kept thinking that Reading shouldn’t get ahead of themselves, but maybe we should start to get excited?</p>
<p id="4NVjLf">A confident, organised, hard-working, individually talented side with plenty of attacking flair can do an awful lot of damage in this division, and there’s still almost half the season left to play. Who knows how far it can go.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/12/29/21041631/preston-north-end-0-2-reading-fc-a-statement-of-intent-royals-deepdale-match-reportBucksRoyal2019-12-29T19:17:16+00:002019-12-29T19:17:16+00:00Preston 0-2 Reading Player Ratings: Defence Shines In Top Team Display
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<img alt="Preston North End v Reading - Sky Bet Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-fcKHiLckvecauohuKwHwie4ugI=/0x0:2907x1938/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65983829/1190727149.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Kevin Barnes - CameraSport via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>No weak spots and plenty of positives as Reading earn a huge away win at Deepdale. </p> <h3 id="YhVram"><strong>Rafael: 8</strong></h3>
<p id="7qWHoL">Another top individual performance from a goalkeeper who’s now racked up four straight clean sheets. He commanded his box really well and made some top saves to deny the home side, not least an acrobatic stop early in the second half when he flung himself to his right to keep out a long-range shot destined for the top corner.</p>
<p id="WWuJfN">If I had to fault anything, it’s his kicking. It’s generally not as accurate as that of other Reading goalkeepers in recent years and was again a big patchy against Preston, but I’m splitting hairs really. Top job Rafa. </p>
<h3 id="UymJaO"><strong>Chris Gunter: 7</strong></h3>
<p id="RBcSLb">He had to be solid defensively against Preston - rather than putting in the more attacking performance that he did against QPR - but he made the adjustment well. Protected Reading’s right flank admirably, although his distribution was sometimes a bit rushed and he didn’t have the same impact going forwards as Blackett (hence one mark lower).</p>
<h3 id="yYbuX4"><strong>Michael Morrison: 8</strong></h3>
<p id="JQxS4A">Commanding, no-nonsense Morrison was exactly what Reading needed in this game. He marshalled the defence really well, led by experience and provided that presence at the back that the Royals have often lacked in recent years - and as a result let leads slip. Made a goal-saving challenge in the first half to keep it 2-0.</p>
<p id="zdVKuC">The distribution was noticeably more direct too - although not completely as we did play out from the back a few times - and that suited Morrison. We’ve not conceded a goal since his error at Oakwell gifted Barnsley a goal. </p>
<h3 id="ur7xbN"><strong>Liam Moore: 8</strong></h3>
<p id="v3h0qW">Similarly commanding as Morrison. When there was danger to be snuffed out, Moore snuffed it out. They’re forming a really good partnership at the moment, and Reading are reaping the rewards. </p>
<h3 id="MYil23"><strong>Tyler Blackett: 8</strong></h3>
<p id="SNWWGA">One of his best performances in a Reading shirt, he was strong in defence and created both goals. For the first, he charged down the left, got in behind the Preston defence and pulled back a sharp low cross that Swift converted, and for the second he drove through the middle before playing in Joao - who could then slot home. </p>
<p id="F581wP">I don’t think he offers that much as a pacey wideman when pushing forwards, but Blackett’s strength and ability on the ball are both still excellent assets for him to have. After nipping in ahead of Omar Richards and Jordan Obita, it’s now on him to keep that left-back spot his.</p>
<h3 id="SkWz48"><strong>Pele: 7</strong></h3>
<p id="pnX8PQ">Quiet but effective, Pele’s settling in as Reading’s destroyer in chief without any fuss. He again protected the back four really well and was composed in possession, even playing some nice passes too, but on the whole I’m delighted by the ‘no frills, no fuss’ attitude we now get from him. </p>
<h3 id="Uz0bGx"><strong>Charlie Adam: 7</strong></h3>
<p id="XqdHg5">As with Morrison, his experience shone through. He knew when to keep it simple, how to keep possession and when to play forward, and as a result Reading had much more control of the game. With Adam it’s not just about his passing range - it’s his footballing brain too. </p>
<h3 id="9AGwwy"><strong>Yakou Meite: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="3JgHSv">Not that involved in the final third bar some long-range shots in the first half, but he still worked very hard down the right to help Reading out defensively. </p>
<h3 id="8IYqw0"><strong>John Swift: 8</strong></h3>
<p id="iDV63c">Took his good really nicely, finding space in the box before tucking home from around 10 yards. Bright, creative first-half performance, he’s enjoying playing in a more advanced role with Pele and Adam deeper in midfield. </p>
<h3 id="dOISvT"><strong>Ovie Ejaria: 7</strong></h3>
<p id="hopqCw">Marauding in the first half, defensively important in the second. Ejaria was sharp on the ball throughout and helped Reading break on Preston really well, and could have had a couple of goals himself before the break. He hit the post with a long-range rocket that Joao tucked home from an offside position and later fired just over - again from range - after winning possession in the middle. </p>
<p id="lizBHw">But his work-rate off the ball makes him an effective wide player who protects his full back - even if that role makes him less involved going forwards. Tracked back well and nipped in for some interceptions too. </p>
<h3 id="o2SsbL"><strong>Lucas Joao: 7</strong></h3>
<p id="m5coz4">Pretty isolated at times in his lone striker role, with Preston dominating possession for much of the game, but he still put in a good shift. It’s a big boost for the whole side that Joao’s developing nicely into an all-round target man, capable of giving us presence up top and being a threat in front of goal, meaning Bowen can afford to put an extra body in midfield.</p>
<p id="pzIUL5">Took his goal really well after some good movement, and had another ruled out for offside. </p>
<h2 id="Xi45za"><strong>Subs</strong></h2>
<h3 id="zDncOX"><strong>Andy Rinomhota: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="MPcG9w">Came on for Adam on 65 minutes and helped Reading see the game out well. </p>
<h3 id="fnbnbC"><strong>Garath McCleary: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="iH1Doo">Replaced John Swift as an attacking midfielder in the second half, worked hard defensively but didn’t have any opportunities to do anything in the final third. </p>
<h3 id="RxZ2tq"><strong>Jordan Obita: N/A</strong></h3>
<p id="Zlof30">Filled in as a left wingback with Blackett moving centrally and looked really composed, although he wasn’t on long enough to get a grade.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="An1NEy">
<h3 id="hqdFBQ"><em><strong>Average: 7.15/10</strong></em></h3>
<p id="bltXz6"><em>Who was your man of the match against Preston? Vote below or </em><a href="https://linkto.run/p/DZ92D2CP"><em>through this link</em></a><em>. </em></p>
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<div style="font-size:1em;background-color:#00355F;color:#FFF;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif, Arial"><div style="padding:0.8em;line-height:1.3em">Who was your man of the match against Preston?</div></div>
<form id="qp_form2682030" action="//www.poll-maker.com/results2682030x02E548F1-78" method="post" target="_blank" style="display:inline;margin:0px;padding:0px">
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<input type="hidden" name="qp_d2682030" value="43829.2585416684-43829.2585700743"><div style="display:block;color:#6B6B6B;font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif, Arial;font-size:1em;line-height:1.5;padding:13px 8px 11px;margin:10px 0px;clear:both" class="qp_a" onclick="var c=this.getElementsByTagName('INPUT')[0]; if((!event.target?event.srcElement:event.target).tagName!='INPUT'){c.checked=(c.type=='radio'?true:!c.checked)};var i=this.parentNode.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('INPUT');for(var k=0;k!=i.length;k=k+1){i[k].parentNode.parentNode.setAttribute('sel',i[k].checked?1:0)}"><span style="display:block;padding-left:30px;cursor:inherit"><input style="float:left;width:20px;margin-left:-25px;margin-top:2px;padding:0px;height:20px;-webkit-appearance:radio;" name="qp_v2682030" type="radio" value="1">Rafael</span></div>
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<div style="display:block;color:#6B6B6B;font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif, Arial;font-size:1em;line-height:1.5;padding:13px 8px 11px;margin:10px 0px;clear:both" class="qp_a" onclick="var c=this.getElementsByTagName('INPUT')[0]; if((!event.target?event.srcElement:event.target).tagName!='INPUT'){c.checked=(c.type=='radio'?true:!c.checked)};var i=this.parentNode.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('INPUT');for(var k=0;k!=i.length;k=k+1){i[k].parentNode.parentNode.setAttribute('sel',i[k].checked?1:0)}"><span style="display:block;padding-left:30px;cursor:inherit"><input style="float:left;width:20px;margin-left:-25px;margin-top:2px;padding:0px;height:20px;-webkit-appearance:radio;" name="qp_v2682030" type="radio" value="3">Michael Morrison</span></div>
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https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/12/29/21041517/preston-north-end-0-2-reading-fc-player-ratings-royalsBucksRoyal2019-12-29T08:00:00+00:002019-12-29T08:00:00+00:00Preston North End vs Reading Match Preview: Tall Order For Royals At Fortress Deepdale
<figure>
<img alt="Preston North End v Luton Town - Sky Bet Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Wpj8GaPlkwZEa-28DN6u9tylli0=/0x0:4241x2827/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65982371/1188800673.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Mick Walker - CameraSport via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Royals see out 2019 with one of their tougher games of the season so far: an away game at the side with the best home form in the division. </p> <p id="KV9J1B">In the final game of this decade, Reading travel to Lancashire to face play-off hopefuls Preston North End at Deepdale on Sunday.</p>
<p id="c80i4Q">Alex Neil has run a steady ship at Preston over the past few seasons, although last season’s 14th-place finish may have been disappointing for some of the Lilywhites’ fans. They’re a well-run club who spend within their means and have performed admirably this season, despite losing key man Callum Robinson to Sheffield United in the summer.</p>
<p id="TZuJr7">Who will come out on top in this 2019 farewell fixture? Here’s everything you need to know ahead of this weekend’s clash.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="Z5CDid">
<p id="ZAPH2o"><strong>What? </strong>Championship Matchday 24</p>
<p id="FqKn9N"><strong>Who?</strong> Preston North End</p>
<p id="E1C2iO"><strong>Where?</strong> Deepdale Stadium</p>
<p id="5PZFRG"><strong>When?</strong> Sunday 29th December 2019 (3pm KO)</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="nqh8s3">
<h2 id="SsCI6P"><strong>League form</strong></h2>
<h3 id="5yCUgr"><strong>Preston North End: LWWDD</strong></h3>
<p id="9SkmGN">After suffering a wobble with four consecutive losses between late November and early December, Neil has stabilised the ship at Deepdale with two wins and two draws in their past four Championship games. However, they will need to remain consistent if they are to stay in the playoff zone. There’s only five points separating third and tenth place currently and it’s easy to slip down the Championship table. Reading’s 2015/16 season is just one example of this.</p>
<p id="zuMPEV">Centre back Patrick Bauer, who joined from Charlton Athletic in the summer, missed Preston’s last game against Leeds United on Boxing Day through illness. He will be hoping that he can return to full fitness ahead of the tie against the Royals. </p>
<p id="OIYxfW">Daniel Johnson is also a doubt after also <a href="https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/latest-leeds-united-news/preston-dealt-major-injury-blow-alex-neil-picks-out-three-things-needed-beat-leeds-united-1349481">missing the trip to Yorkshire</a>. He suffered an injury against West Bromwich Albion at the start of December and has been absent ever since. However, Tom Clarke and Ben Davies have fully recovered from injury after starting at Elland Road.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Charlton Athletic v Preston North End - Sky Bet Championship" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-RgD-PVFMNFdedRKQIC7b-3TQ4Q=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19556186/1179724046.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Preston’s Ben Davies</figcaption>
</figure>
<h3 id="axTMLC"><strong>Reading: LDDWW</strong></h3>
<p id="R0O7Nn">You can’t argue with three consecutive clean sheets. Building from the back in vital in any team and keeping clean sheets can only help to relieve pressure on the front line. I’m very encouraged that we aren’t relying on one or two players to score the goals in this team. Ovie Ejaria can do it – so can John Swift, Lucas Joao, George Puscas and Yakou Meite. Keep this form up and we’re well on our way to securing that comfortable midtable finish that we need.</p>
<p id="F3Bwm3">Matt Miazga returned to the bench against Queens Park Rangers after recovering from injury, as well as Jordan Obita who has also been absent recently. They could both feature from the start at Deepdale. However, Puscas is unavailable as he continues to recover from a dislocated shoulder. Sam Baldock is also out with a groin injury, although Mark Bowen is <a href="https://twitter.com/MattJoy96/status/1210316625750241281">hopeful that he can return</a> for the match against Fulham on New Year’s Day. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="2OPYyb">
<h2 id="ECbsdY"><strong>The last meeting</strong></h2>
<h3 id="lzhvMF"><strong>Reading 1-0 Preston North End</strong></h3>
<div id="LXHzBT"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RZFNRyxX3mg?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media; accelerometer; gyroscope; picture-in-picture"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="07xw2H">Puscas and Ejaria both went close for the Royals early on as the home side looked to break the deadlock after the sacking of Jose Gomes earlier on in the week. As the game went on, it looked like the match was going to end in a 0-0 draw. With the Royals around the relegation zone at the time, it was vital that the Berkshire outfit squeezed every point out of this match that they could.</p>
<p id="8GEtjC">It was Jordan Obita’s shot from a corner in stoppage time which proved to be vital in stealing the three points for Reading. His saved shot rebounded straight in to Miazga’s path who volleyed the ball past Declan Rudd in what was undoubtedly one of the most important games of the season.</p>
<p id="nSAFB2">This was Bowen’s first game as Reading manager. He had fans on his back for the way that Gomes’ sacking was handled and his so-called ‘self appointment’. I personally don’t believe that he would have persuaded Dai Yongge to appoint him. However, if he did appoint himself, I hope it was done in true <a href="https://youtu.be/j1qtsLfZWWQ?t=113">David Brent style</a>.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="Q6QLKk">
<h2 id="KLNhdJ"><strong>TTE stats</strong></h2>
<ul>
<li id="z3heU4">Nine out of Preston North End’s eleven league wins so far this season have come at home. They have only won two on the road in this campaign thus far.</li>
<li id="szEWaa">80% of their league goals this season have also come at Deepdale (29/36). Are the Lancashire side an unstoppable force at home?</li>
<li id="uuuF1L">Reading have won their last four games against Preston North End. Will it be five in a row after Sunday?</li>
<li id="wgN3bs">The Royals have conceded just ten goals in Mark Bowen’s twelve games as Reading manager so far. A promising start that’s helped Reading pick up points under the Welshman.</li>
</ul>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="WZhFDJ">
<h2 id="alyzBt"><strong>Predictions</strong></h2>
<p id="m4LlhA"><em><strong>Likely Reading lineup: </strong></em><em>Rafael, Blackett, Moore, Miazga, Gunter, Swift, Rinomhota, Adam, Ejaria, Meite, Joao</em></p>
<p id="jGPiax">I can only see Bowen making two changes to the starting eleven this Sunday. Rafael has continued to nail down his position as first-choice goalkeeper after a string of brilliant saves on Boxing Day.</p>
<p id="YVfW0g">Tyler Blackett has also established himself in the side after rarely featuring at the start of the Bowen. Miazga may come in to replace Morrison at the heart of defence after returning to the bench for the Royals against Queens Park Rangers. </p>
<p id="g4zkIj">I can also see Rinomhota and Pele being rotated around for the remainder of this season, although Charlie Adam may also need a rest after this busy Christmas schedule. Swift and Ejaria will start again as Reading’s key duo in midfield - what a goal from Swift on Thursday by the way! The man who won The Most Improved Player 2019 on the Christmas podcast is returning to the form he showed in the 2016/17 season.</p>
<aside id="PNlAkr"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"The Tilehurst End Podcast Episode 214: Christmas Awards Special","url":"https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/12/23/21035460/the-tilehurst-end-podcast-reading-fc-awards-2019"}]}'></div></aside><p id="XyKt5d">With Baldock and Puscas out through injury, Meite and Joao are likely to start once again. Both are capable of scoring goals, can they get on the scoresheet this Sunday? </p>
<p id="p8RCaz">Although Reading have done very well in their last few games, they may not have enough to get anything out of this Sunday’s game against a very capable side aiming for a playoff-place finish at the end of the season. I predict a narrow 1-0 loss, although I trust the Royals to go and give a good account of themselves.</p>
<p id="OoUPfL"><strong>Score prediction: Preston North End 1-0 Reading</strong></p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="CpNYUY">
<h2 id="UWBbIR"><strong>Other Championship fixtures</strong></h2>
<h3 id="gy6sjO"><strong>All Sunday 29th December 2019 (3pm KO) unless stated</strong></h3>
<p id="VFLSZt">Birmingham City vs Leeds United</p>
<p id="lMe0ld">Bristol City vs Luton Town</p>
<p id="atUzv5">Fulham vs Stoke City</p>
<p id="LAE8Vf">Huddersfield Town vs Blackburn Rovers</p>
<p id="ohSE8t">Millwall vs Brentford</p>
<p id="72opWT">Nottingham Forest vs Wigan Athletic</p>
<p id="7MEjC1">Queens Park Rangers vs Hull City</p>
<p id="cPusE1">Sheffield Wednesday vs Cardiff City</p>
<p id="lKW29h">Swansea City vs Barnsley</p>
<p id="8TzMeC">West Bromwich Albion vs Middlesbrough</p>
<p id="bvgt9h">Derby County vs Charlton Athletic (Monday 30th December 7:45pm KO)</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/12/29/21038882/preston-north-end-vs-reading-fc-match-preview-royals-deepdaleajonesrfc2019-12-28T10:00:00+00:002019-12-28T10:00:00+00:00View From The Town End: Deepdale Form Key To Preston Playoff Push
<figure>
<img alt="Preston North End v Fulham - Sky Bet Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1KEuJ6cj1_k5njr-uvr7Vqubb34=/0x0:3513x2342/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65979472/1193169357.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>As PNE writer James Vickers explains, home form will be key to Preston’s playoff chances this season.</p> <p id="lRrFfW">Reading round off 2019 with an away trip to Preston North End on Sunday, and as ever we asked PNE writer James Vickers for his take on how the season’s gone so far, what Reading should expect, and plenty more.</p>
<p id="Ni17UF">He also hosts the Championship Round Table podcast which is a weekly show that covers the second tier. Their Twitter account can be found <a href="http://twitter.com/ChampionshipPod">here</a>, and James’ <a href="http://twitter.com/_JamesVickers">here</a>. Please note that his answers were written <strong>before</strong> the Boxing Day fixtures.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="UlweOC">
<h3 id="POJcx3"><strong>When we last spoke in October, you said this season “could be different” to previous ones regarding promotion. Are you still on track for a top six finish?</strong></h3>
<p id="Ef5U8X">On the face of it I would say it definitely is still a realistic possibility this season. Apart from the top two not many team seems to be able to put a consistent run together so it is anyone’s to take advantage of.</p>
<p id="PyqRvh">If we can come out of the back of the Christmas period still in the playoffs I will start to feel more confident. Most seasons we tend to start poorly then put a run together late in the season but ultimately we have left ourselves too much to do with games running out. This season we have started well, but now it’s a case of can we maintain it?</p>
<p id="6U4fxe">The away form has been the only disappointing thing so far really. For a team pushing to get into the top six we are dropping too many points away with defeats against teams such as Millwall, Reading (as usual at your place), and Derby County. If we can correct that and pick up points away like we did last season then there’s no reason why we can’t sustain this good start. Cardiff away recently was a game we should’ve won but taking a point at a relegated Premier League side isn’t something to be down about.</p>
<p id="r4yGKh">I think the key for us so far, especially at home, has been the ability to turn draws into victories. We currently have five in 23 games which is the joint-second fewest in the top six. Add to that we are scoring plenty of goals in the process.</p>
<p id="xbSv1r">Over the past few seasons we have had a tendency to draw far too many games to mount a serious play-off push. We have always been a hard team to beat, but equally, found it hard to beat teams at times. This season so far though we have found that perfect balance, and it is showing by our position in the table.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Cardiff City v Preston North End - Sky Bet Championship" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/r8KvlapdpiBy1kvURYm917Y5fR8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19554448/1190028492.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Ian Cook - CameraSport via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>PNE played out a 0-0 draw last Saturday against Cardiff City</figcaption>
</figure>
<h3 id="OIA5er"><strong>Who are the brightest young PNE talents for us to look out for in the future? </strong></h3>
<p id="hyxcrg">I seem to say the two same players in every one of these that I write and am always tempted to copy and paste the previous notes that I make, but the short of it is that Ben Davies and Jordan Storey will go very far in the game. Both of them are centre backs who started the majority of our games last season and have been fantastic when called upon - Davies being the real breakout star in the last 12 months.</p>
<p id="3iBwAB">His breakout season was definitely last season. Before that he had various loan spells to teams such as Lancaster, playing as a left back so not many Preston fans expected he would return and be one of our most valuable players.</p>
<p id="QQ9CpK">Each week a different Premier League club seems to be linked with Davies - Wolves and Everton to name a few - and I think if he keeps performing like he is doing at the moment then it is only a matter of time until he gets the move to the Premier League, unless of course we get promoted!</p>
<h3 id="uxkQX8"><strong>What do you make of Reading at the moment?</strong></h3>
<p id="3DxmHW">We have really struggled against Reading in recent times so looking at how you are playing seems to be a bit redundant but on the face of it I think you are having a decent season.</p>
<p id="xSP8v6">I think especially given the managerial situation around the September/October period you have come through that patch a lot better off that I thought you would have. Seeing the fan reaction on Twitter for example it seemed on the outside looking in that it was the wrong decision but since then you have been picking up points and moved comfortably away from the relegation zone.</p>
<p id="nYlcSm">Your recent form is about how I would expect it to be with two wins, two draws and a single defeat in the past five. You seem to be conceding very few goals this season as well which has surprised me (27 in 23 is the best record in the lower half of the table) and I think come Saturday we will have to be at our clinical best to get past you.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Reading v Preston North End - Sky Bet Championship - Madejski Stadium" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VM5hv-aTpmpjFl3LX_vugu516PQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19303305/1176877833.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Zac Goodwin/EMPICS/PA Images via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Miazga celebrates a last-gasp winner against Preston in Mark Bowen’s first game</figcaption>
</figure>
<h3 id="VSqG0V"><strong>Any pub or sightseeing recommendations for Reading fans making the trip up to Deepdale?</strong></h3>
<p id="EECp9W">Sightseeing… not particularly. The centre of Preston isn’t one of Britain’s most picturesque places, even though several of my friends would tell you different. If you like architecture then the bus station is probably your best bet which is on the way to the Stadium.</p>
<p id="xDKMhC">In terms of pubs the best bet for away fans arriving by train is the Old Vic which welcomes away supporters on match days. This is found directly opposite the train station when leaving via the station approach where the taxi rank is.</p>
<p id="bj8Xtg">Five minutes’ walk up the road through Fishergate (the main shopping high street) are a Wetherspoon’s and Yates which will welcome travelling fans. However, these are mainly filled with home supporters, but both are extremely reasonably priced.</p>
<p id="Rpedhv">Closer to the ground tends to be pubs which only welcome home supporters on match days so my advice would be to stay in the centre of town and make your way over towards the station around 14:00pm.</p>
<h3 id="eJNapx"><strong>We’re almost into the 2020s - what have been your personal highlights supporting Preston from the last decade?</strong></h3>
<p id="iNyfrN">The obvious one for every Preston fan has to be the play-off final at Wembley against Swindon Town. Before the game was the most nervous I have ever been as a Preston fan, especially given the fact we had bottled automatic promotion on the final day of the season just a couple of weeks earlier.</p>
<p id="Vb9Yxn">From being 1-0 up in the opening few minutes after Jermaine Beckford dispatched a cross at the back post, to him completing his hat trick midway through the second half, was one of the best moments I’ve had supporting Preston - even though until the full-time whistle went I still had this thought in my head that we would find a way to mess it up… (we were 4-0 up in added time). </p>
<p id="jNji0v">Since then we have managed to turn ourselves back into a solid Championship side and things only seem to be looking up at present, so the whole period that has succeeded the play-off final has been my favourite part of the decade.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Swindon Town v Preston North End - Sky Bet League One Playoff Final" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OGlYWhHfwxPa2zFFmsoKXFgPB2A=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19554452/474637334.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Beckford completes his hat trick against that lot down the road</figcaption>
</figure>
<h3 id="I1H2NV"><strong>How does Alex Neil set Preston up in terms of formation, system and personnel?</strong></h3>
<p id="kPbno5">In terms of a system and style this season it tends to be influenced by who is up front. Jayden Stockley who has come into the side recently favours the long-ball approach (which I find infuriating as we have become a really good footballing side) as he has somewhat of an ability to hold the ball up and bring into play midfield runners such as Tom Barkhuizen and Daniel Johnson. </p>
<p id="hzYOFu">Personally, I prefer our brand of football when we keep it on the deck and look to feed the likes of Barkhuizen and Billy Bodin; the midfielders we have such as Johnson and Gallagher flourish when the ball is at their feet and we are moving it quickly. We tend to play this more so at home, and you only have to look at the contrast in results at home than away from home to see that we are so much better playing this way.</p>
<p id="fMKokH">As far as formation it tends to be the same regardless of the way in which we play on the field. Alex Neil has favoured a 4-2-3-1 setup since he took over and I’d expect us to continue with that at the weekend.</p>
<p id="dL7Sma">Barring injuries, the spine of the side tends to pick itself at the moment with Rudd (goalkeeper), Bauer (centre back), Pearson and Gallagher (central midfield) being the first names on the team sheet. The rest of the team is mostly decided on who is fit/isn’t suspended.</p>
<p id="DCdifG">I’d expect Paul Huntington to continue to partner Bauer at the back with Fisher and Hughes in the full-back areas. The three supporting the striker is the trickiest to predict as Neil has a habit of changing it week by week. Given that though I’d say something along the lines of Barkhuizen, Browne, and Maguire won’t be too far off the mark. Up top I would expect Nugent to get the nod.</p>
<h3 id="neBfkd"><strong>How do you see the game going, and what will the score be?</strong></h3>
<p id="TzoLLM">Every game against Reading I go into it thinking that we should win; almost every time as I’m sure you’re aware I shoot myself in the foot… Will it be different this weekend? I certainly hope so!</p>
<p id="Gawrnp">We have been fantastic at home this season turning Deepdale into a real fortress which has massively aided our start to the season. We are winning games that last season we would’ve drawn, and in doing that sees us in the play offs at present.</p>
<p id="j25JoK">Come Sunday I expect more of the same but I do think that Reading will pose a threat to us so it isn’t a game I am taking lightly. You are our bogey team after all.</p>
<p id="6kmec6">Score wise I think a hard-fought 2-0. We have been good defensively in the last few games after a run of four defeats, and I expect that to carry on at the weekend. If I’m going to stick my neck on the line I think David Nugent and Paul Gallagher will be the goal scorers.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/12/28/21036365/view-from-the-town-end-preston-north-end-reading-fc-royals-deepdaleBucksRoyalThe Tilehurst End Guest Writer