After what seems like an age, we are back! The international break saw some Royals feature for their countries and others get some much-needed training with new manager Leam Richardson.
With players coming
back from injury and the last game being a win, there are high spirits within the Royals camp. The defence seems to be solid now that everyone is fit and ready to go. Lewis Wing has regained his form and Kamari Doyle has made that number 10 role his own.
Rotherham United are unbeaten in their last five games, winning three and drawing two, and are going to be a struggle to beat. They’re the only team that have scored the same amount as they have conceded this season: 18. They also have quite an even league record overall with six wins, four draws and six losses.
The head-to-head between the two sides is in favour of the Royals with 25 wins, 16 draws and 12 losses. The last four games between the two sides have been a case of neither team being able to play away from home, with the last three ending 2-1 to the hosts, so it looks to be in Reading’s favour in this one.
In this preview I will do an analysis of the game against Stevenage, discussing how the Royals were able to keep the visitors from going top of the league before the international break. I will also mention players who have played for both the Royals and Millers, and give my predictions.
What? League One matchday 16
Season? 2025/26
Who? Rotherham United
Where? Select Car Leasing Stadium
When? Saturday November 22
Time? 15:00
Opposition manager? Matt Hamshaw
Reading vs Stevenage
In a game that could have seen Reading drop even more places down the table, or Stevenage go top of the league with a game in hand, it was a must win for both teams.
The game was decently even until the fourth minute and then wonderkid Charlie Savage placed a great finish with his weaker right foot into the far corner. This was the only goal of the game but there should have been more.
In the second half Stevenage missed a pretty much open goal by hitting the crossbar, and then they missed another chance not long after that. They should have won this match, but grit and determination were enough to see off the title-fighters.
Possession was pretty even with Stevenage edging it 52-48. Shots were also balanced with the Royals edging that one 11-10.
It was a Savage man-of-the match performance with Joel Pereira a very close second.
Going into this match against Rotherham, if they play how they did in that last one, Reading should come out victorious.
Richardson had a shaky start against Carlisle United but, now with a bit of time, he and his Royals can show this league what the players are actually made of.
Played for both
There are 20 players who have played for both Rotherham and Reading. Here are five of them:
Adam Le Fondre is a non-league legend currently, but the once-Premier League player of the month made 104 appearances for the Royals between 2011 and 2013. In this time he scored 39 goals and got six assists for the club.
While at Rotherham, Alfie played 93 games, scoring 52 goals and getting 11 assists.
Currently at FC United of Manchester, he has played a few games this season and is still looking like he could do it in a higher division.
From one accolade winner to another, Emiliano Martinez won the goalkeeper of the year award twice in a row and was named in the best 11 in the world in that period. He made 18 appearances for Reading while on loan from Arsenal.
Four years prior he made eight appearances for Rotherham.
We now move onto one of the best free-kick takers the EFL has seen, John Swift. Making 199 appearances for the Royals, he scored 33 goals and got 34 assists.
On loan from Chelsea, he made four appearances for Rotherham, managing neither a goal nor an assist.
It’s captain fantastic up next. Wing, currently with the Royals, has played 111 games for the club. In this time he has managed 26 goals and 21 assists.
He played 20 times for Rotherham, managing two goals and two assists.
Finally, it’s Royals new signing Andy Rinomhota. In his previous spell with the Royals he managed 169 appearances, scoring six goals and getting four assists.
For Rotherham he had 16 games, managing neither a goal nor an assist.
My predictions
In goal will be Pereira. I’m very glad he is back and hopefully he has a good game.
The defence will consist of Andy Yiadom, Paudie O’Connor, Derrick Williams and Randell Williams.
The midfield will be Rinhomota, Wing and Savage.
Paddy Lane, Daniel Kyerewaa and Jack Marriott will make up the front line.
Score prediction: 2-0 Royals!
Good luck to those going to the game!
Come on you Royals!
